Leadway, one of Nigeria’s foremost non-banking financial services and wellbeing providers, is marking its 55th anniversary with renewed commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and regional expansion across West Africa.
Founded in 1970 as an insurance company, the group has grown into a diversified conglomerate with services spanning life and general insurance, health coverage, pensions, asset and wealth management, estate planning, hospitality, and credit solutions.
Over the decades, Leadway has positioned itself as a key player in helping individuals and businesses build resilient financial futures.
‘Leadway’s journey is, in many ways, the story of Nigeria itself, one of resilience, diversity, and progress,’ said Tunde Hassan-Odukale, Group Managing Director of Leadway Holdings.
‘We began with the mission of providing succour and financial freedom through risk management, and today that mission has expanded into building a holistic ecosystem that serves millions across the continent,’ Hassan-Odukale added.
The group’s reputation for reliability is underpinned by its claims record; between 2016 and 2024, Leadway paid out nearly ?500 billion in claims, including ?117 billion last year alone, reinforcing its standing as Nigeria’s most consistent claims-paying insurer.
Through its Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) subsidiary, Leadway provides healthcare access to millions of Nigerians via a network of more than 2,500 partner hospitals nationwide.
Its pensions and asset management businesses continue to secure retirement benefits and build wealth portfolios for countless Nigerians.
Expanding beyond Nigeria, the company has established a strong presence in Côte d’Ivoire through Leadway Assurance, Ankara Services, and Leadway IARD, consolidating its role as a leading non-banking financial group in Francophone West Africa.
Beyond business, Leadway invests in social impact and community development initiatives such as Leadway Media Dash support young entrepreneurs and SMEs by showcasing their businesses on company-owned platforms, while long-standing sponsorship of the Lagos International Trade Fair demonstrates its commitment to commerce and enterprise.
The group also contributes to Nigeria’s creative economy through sponsorships of the Lagos Leather Fair, the Nigerian Pavilion at the London Design Biennale, the +234 Art Fair, and the Creative Bloc Carnival.
Its youth-focused programmes, LeadForward for NYSC members and Campus Connect for university students, promote financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and wellbeing.
In 2024, the company launched Hersurred, a women-focused platform offering mentorship, skills workshops, networking, and annual events to empower women across industries.
As it celebrates 55 years, Leadway says its next chapter will focus on leveraging technology and people-first solutions to deepen financial and social impact.
‘We are committed to creating the next chapter of Africa’s financial services wellbeing powerhouse, offering digital-first solutions that are unparalleled, people-focused, and globally competitive,’ Hassan-Odukale reaffirmed.