Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, OON, born on July 28, 1964, is a prominent Nigerian banker who currently serves as the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc. She made history as the first woman to hold this position at the bank, taking office in January 2021 after joining as an Executive Director in 2015. Known for her visionary leadership and transformative influence in Nigeria’s banking industry, Onyeali-Ikpe is widely respected for her commitment to innovation, business growth, and the empowerment of women and entrepreneurs.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe |
| Date of Birth | July 28, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Anambra State |
| Spouse | Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe |
| Children | Yes (number not specified) |
| Occupations | Banker, Group Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc |
| Net Worth | Approximately N1.98 billion (mainly Fidelity Bank shares) |
Early Life and Education
Born in Lagos on July 28, 1964, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe originates from Anambra State. She spent part of her formative years in Owerri, Imo State, where she attended the Federal Government Girls’ College.
She earned her Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and went on to obtain a Master of Law from King’s College London.
Additionally, Onyeali-Ikpe has completed executive education programs at globally renowned institutions, including Harvard Business School, The Wharton School, London Business School, and Oxford University’s Said Business School.
In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded an honorary doctorate in Business Administration by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Career
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe began her professional journey in 1990 as a legal officer at African Continental Bank. She subsequently worked as a Treasury Officer at First African Trust Bank and held significant roles at Standard Chartered Bank, Zenith Bank, and Citizens International Bank.
Her career spans diverse sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, real estate, aviation, and export, where she has been instrumental in structuring complex financial transactions.
At Fidelity Bank, Onyeali-Ikpe initially served as Executive Director responsible for the Lagos and southwest regions. She played a key role in launching the bank’s Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) group, reflecting her dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and women in business.
In January 2021, she was appointed as the bank’s first female MD/CEO. Under her leadership, Fidelity Bank has experienced remarkable growth, with profit before tax increasing from N25.22 billion in 2021 to N53.68 billion in 2022, driven by innovative initiatives and a culture of collaboration.
Personal Life
Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe is married to Dr. Ken Onyeali Ikpe, a distinguished marketing and branding consultant. The couple has children and is known for effectively balancing their professional and family lives.
Though born in Lagos, her ancestral roots trace back to Anambra State.
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe Net Worth
As of May 2025, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe’s net worth, primarily derived from her shares in Fidelity Bank, is estimated at approximately N1.98 billion. She owns about 94.64 million shares in the bank, underscoring her significant stake and influence within the company.
Awards and Honors
Throughout her career, Onyeali-Ikpe has been honored with several prestigious awards, including:
- Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), awarded by the Nigerian government in 2023
- Banker of the Year 2022 by Champion Newspapers
- Banker of the Year 2022 at the 14th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards
- Best Banking CEO Nigeria 2023 at the Global Banking & Finance Awards
- Named among the top 10 female CEOs in Africa by Africa.com’s Definitive List
Her exemplary leadership continues to inspire many within Nigeria’s financial sector and beyond.
