Leadway, one of Nigeria’s oldest and largest financial services groups, has marked its 55th anniversary with a pledge to expand financial access and inclusion across West Africa.
Founded in 1970 as an insurance company, Leadway has grown into a diversified group with offerings in life and general insurance, pensions, health, asset management, estate planning, hospitality, and credit services. The company says it now serves millions of individuals and businesses in Nigeria and across the region.
Group Managing Director, Tunde Hassan-Odukale, described the company’s growth as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience and diversity. “We began with the mission of providing financial security through risk management. Over the years, that mission has evolved into building a holistic ecosystem that encompasses insurance, pensions, health, investments, trusteeship and hospitality,” he said.
Between 2016 and 2024, Leadway disbursed nearly ₦500 billion in insurance claims, including ₦117 billion last year alone. Its health subsidiary provides coverage through a network of over 2,500 hospitals, while its pension and asset management arms continue to expand investment portfolios for Nigerian workers and retirees.
The company has also extended its reach into Francophone West Africa, with operations in Côte d’Ivoire through Leadway Assurance and Leadway IARD. At home, it has invested in social impact programmes such as Leadway Media Dash, which promotes small businesses, and youth-focused initiatives like LeadForward and Campus Connect. It also supports women’s empowerment through Hersurred, launched in 2024.
Beyond finance, Leadway has sponsored events in Nigeria’s creative and commercial sectors, including the Lagos International Trade Fair, Lagos Leather Fair, and the +234 Art Fair.
As it looks to the future, the company says it will strengthen its digital-first services while positioning itself as a “wellbeing powerhouse” in Africa’s financial services landscape.
