Top Earners in Nigeria’s Tech Industry: The Leading Software Engineers and Product Managers

By Uchenna Okonwo

The technology sector in Nigeria is rapidly growing, and the roles of software engineers and product managers are central to this expansion.

These professionals not only design and manage the technical and strategic aspects of digital solutions but are also among the highest-paid individuals in the industry.

This report is based on data gathered through extensive surveys, in-depth interviews, and salary data from some of the most prominent companies in Nigeria’s tech space.

The credibility of this report stems from thorough analysis and verification of all data collected, ensuring an accurate portrayal of the compensation and contributions of these top-tier professionals.

Top Software Engineers

Aderonke Adebisi – Smartflow Technologies Limited (NGN 36 Million Annually)

Aderonke Adebisi is celebrated for her remarkable technical leadership at Smartflow Technologies. She led the ambitious project to replace the company’s outdated legacy systems with a custom-built solution, which she developed from scratch.

The new system not only significantly reduced operational costs by streamlining processes and increasing efficiency but also became a revenue generator. Under Aderonke’s guidance, Smartflow began selling this custom platform to other companies in the industry, offering them a more cost-effective solution.

Her work not only saved the company millions annually but also positioned it as a market leader in system innovation. Her ability to transform technical challenges into profit opportunities earned her NGN 36 million annually, making her the highest-paid software engineer in Nigeria.

Olayinka Oduola – Eko Electricity Distribution company (NGN 32 Million Annually)

Olayinka Oduola has made significant contributions to Engineering field, particularly in overhauling its core engineering systems. As a senior software engineer, Olayinka’s focus was on designing and implementing scalable,high-performance systems that could handle the growing customer basewhile improving operational efficiency. His work directly impacted customer satisfaction, reducing transaction times and improving security protocols.

Furthermore, Olayinka played a crucial role in integrating new solutions, allowing engineering companies to offer more modern, tech-driven services. His expertise in backend systems and his innovative approach to system integration earned him NGN 32 million per year, solidifying his reputation as one of the country’s top tech professionals.

Tunde Awosika – Union Bank (NGN 31.2 Million Annually)

Tunde Awosika’s influence at Union Bank cannot be overstated. As the lead software engineer for the bank’s digital transformation initiatives, Tunde oversaw the development and implementation of several cutting-edge digital platforms that significantly improved the bank’s digital services.

His work led to a 20% increase in digital transactions and a sharp improvement in the user experience for online banking customers. Tunde was also responsible for integrating artificial intelligence into the bank’s customer support systems, automating key processes and reducing response times. His leadership in these projects earned him NGN 31.2 million annually and helped Union Bank position itself as a digital leader in Nigeria’s financial sector.

Funmi Adeyemi – Access Bank (NGN 31 Million Annually)

Funmi Adeyemi has established himself as a cybersecurity expert at Access Bank, where his work in strengthening the bank’s digital security has been instrumental. Funmi led the integration of advanced cybersecurity frameworks that significantly reduced the bank’s exposure to cyber threats. His efforts have improved the bank’s data protection and compliance with international security standards, which are crucial for a global-facing financial institution. Funmi’s initiatives have not only enhanced the security of digital transactions but also mitigated the risk of fraud, saving the bank millions in potential losses. For his contributions to making Access Bank a leader in secure digital banking, Funmi earns NGN 31 million annually.

Tayo Oke – GTBank (NGN 30 Million Annually)

Tayo Oke has played a pivotal role in GTBank’s digital operations. His expertise in optimizing mobile and web platforms has improved the speed, reliability, and user experience of the bank’s digital offerings. Tayo spearheaded several performance enhancement projects, leading to a 15% increase in customer satisfaction and a 10% reduction in system downtimes. He was also a key player in developing the bank’s mobile banking app, making it one of the most user-friendly apps in the market. His deep understanding of software optimization and user interface design has earned him NGN 30 million annually, recognizing his significant contributions to GTBank’s digital growth.

Top Product Managers

1. Ibrahim Ojomu – GTBank (NGN 33.2 Million Annually)
   Ibrahim Ojomu is a visionary product manager who has had a tremendous impact on GTBank’s product strategy. He led the development of one of the bank’s most innovative financial products, which has since become a benchmark in the Nigerian banking industry. Ibrahim’s ability to identify emerging market trends and align product features with customer needs has been key to the product’s success. The launch of this product not only drove customer acquisition but also significantly increased the bank’s market share in digital banking. His leadership in product development has set the bar for excellence in Nigeria’s fintech space, earning him NGN 33.2 million annually.
2. Martin Ilesanmi – Microsoft (NGN 33 Million Annually)
   At Microsoft, Martin Ilesanmi is known for his strategic product launches, which have consistently led to increased user engagement. Martin has led several high-profile projects, including the launch of new cloud-based solutions that have driven a 30% increase in user engagement and a 15% boost in enterprise adoption rates. His ability to translate complex customer needs into actionable product features has positioned Microsoft as a leader in the African tech space. Martin’s exceptional product management skills and his track record of delivering results have earned him NGN 33 million annually, making him one of the most sought-after product managers in the industry.
3. Ololade Akande – Andela (NGN 25 Million Annually)
   Ololade Akande is a key product manager at Andela, where he has been at the forefront of driving product innovations that help companies across the globe scale their engineering teams. His leadership in building products that enable remote developers to connect with global companies has not only contributed to Andela’s rapid growth but also strengthened its reputation as a leading remote talent platform. Ololade’s ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, design, and sales teams has resulted in products that solve critical hiring challenges in tech. For his significant contributions to Andela’s success, Ololade earns NGN 25 million annually.
4. Daniel Etim – Konga (NGN 24 Million Annually)
   Daniel Etim is a driving force behind Konga’s success in the e-commerce space. As the lead product manager, Daniel has overseen the development of several high-impact products, including a new customer loyalty program that increased repeat customer purchases by 20%. His work in optimizing the e-commerce platform’s performance has resulted in faster load times and improved customer satisfaction. Daniel’s expertise in balancing customer needs with business goals has been instrumental in scaling Konga’s operations, and his annual compensation of NGN 24 million reflects his significant contributions.
5. Chika Okoye – Paystack (NGN 22 Million Annually)
   Chika Okoye has been a key player in Paystack’s product development, leading initiatives that have shaped the digital payment ecosystem for SMEs in Africa. Chika was responsible for the successful rollout of new payment solutions that are now used by thousands of businesses across the continent. His ability to collaborate with engineering teams and stakeholders has led to the creation of products that are not only innovative but also scalable, driving Paystack’s growth and adoption. For his significant role in driving Paystack’s product strategy, Chika earns NGN 22 million annually.

The Link Between Software Engineers and Product Managers

In Nigeria’s tech industry, software engineers and product managers work closely together to bring innovative digital solutions to life. Software engineers build the technical foundations that power these products, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and efficient. On the other hand, product managers ensure that these products meet market demands and align with the company’s strategic goals. This partnership is essential for driving innovation and creating products that customers love. Together, they are responsible for the continued success and expansion of tech companies in Nigeria, and their high compensation reflects the value they bring to the table.

As the demand for digital solutions continues to grow, the importance of these two roles will only increase, ensuring that software engineers and product managers remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s tech revolution.