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By Taiwo Babatunde
Data science continues to drive profound transformation across industries by converting vast, complex data into strategic advantage.
In Nigeria, a new generation of data science professionals is building intelligent systems that redefine forecasting, automation, customer intelligence, and operational efficiency. These visionaries not only lead enterprise-wide data strategies, they also command some of the highest salaries in the field, reflecting the value of their insights and innovation.
This feature profiles Nigeria’s top 10 highest-earning data scientists, highlighting their annual compensation and the lasting impact of their work.
1. Idris Obafemi, Chief Data Scientist, Veltrixion Analytics (₦35 Million Annually)
Idris Obafemi leads AI strategy at Veltrixion Analytics, developing models for real-time insights and fraud detection. His predictive systems have saved millions for financial and telecom sectors across West Africa. He mentors emerging data talent through accelerator programs and AI fellowships.
He contributes to national discussions on data policy and ethical technology, he also connects academia and industry to ensure AI drives impactful growth.
2. Adanna Uche, VP of Data Science, DataQore Systems (₦34.5 Million Annually)
At DataQore Systems, she leads AI initiatives integrating machine learning with trading and market forecasting. Her credit scoring models enhance real-time lending and risk profiling for financial institutions.
She built analytics pipelines that improve equity and fixed-income strategies across portfolios.
3. Ogeide Sylvanus Uwagboe, Lead Data Scientist, Nubrai Technologies (₦34 Million Annually)
As Lead Data Scientist at Nubrai Technologies, Ogeide Uwagboe leads predictive intelligence for fintech platforms across Africa. He builds machine learning systems for fraud detection, digital credit scoring, and personalized recommendations. Renowned for championing ethical AI, he integrates fairness auditing into financial decision models.
4. Zahra Bako, Lead AI Engineer, HelixCore Systems (₦33.5 Million Annually)
As Lead AI Engineer at HelixCore Systems, Zahra Bako builds reinforcement learning models for manufacturing optimization. Her algorithms drive predictive maintenance, and adaptive logistics systems.
Bako mentors emerging AI engineers and supports open-source tools in manufacturing analytics.
5. Kolade Makinde, Lead Data Scientist, Infinitec (₦33 Million Annually)
Kolade Makinde is a distinguished data scientist renowned for transforming complex datasets into actionable insights. With over a decade of experience, he has built predictive models that enhance efficiency and decision-making. His expertise spans machine learning, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence applications. He has developed frameworks that optimize business performance and streamline operations.
His research contributions have advanced AI-driven automation and intelligent analytics. Kolade’s innovations have unlocked new market opportunities across various industries.
6. Ladi Oyenuga, Chief Data Officer, TerraIntel Analytics (₦31 Million Annually)
Ladi Oyenuga applies data science to agriculture, building intelligent systems at TerraIntel Analytics. His precision models enhance resource use, yield forecasting, and market predictions for agribusinesses. He developed climate risk tools to support adaptive farming in volatile regions.
Oyenuga’s innovations are driving data-informed decisions across West Africa’s food systems.
7. Tunde Bello, Principal Data Scientist, BluGrid Energy (₦30.5 Million Annually)
Tunde Bello leads clean energy analytics at BluGrid Energy, focusing on smart grid optimization and sustainability. His models enhance grid reliability, forecast renewable output, and support hybrid energy integration. He applies machine learning to enable predictive maintenance and intelligent load balancing.
Bello’s innovations are expanding energy access across rural Nigeria and West Africa.
8. Funmi Adewunmi, Director of Machine Learning Engineer, Orba Technologies (₦30 Million Annually)
Funmi Adewunmi is a rising force in machine learning, advancing innovation in health tech and retail analytics. At Orba Technologies, she builds personalization engines that improve user engagement and service outcomes. Her deep learning models power behavior prediction and adaptive intelligence across digital platforms.
Funmi champions inclusive AI development through open-source contributions and STEM advocacy.
9. Emeka Uzondu, Head of Data Science, Syntara Insurance (₦29.5 Million Annually)
Emeka Uzondu is transforming insurance through strategic data science at Syntara Insurance. He leads AI-driven projects in claims automation, risk modeling, and fraud detection. His systems improve pricing accuracy, customer retention, and regulatory compliance.
Uzondu champions responsible AI while embedding intelligence across insurance workflows.
10. Ijeoma Kalu, Chief Data Strategist, NovaChain Retail (₦29 Million Annually)
Ijeoma Kalu is transforming retail intelligence through AI-powered pricing and demand forecasting at NovaChain Retail. Her models boost supply chain efficiency, adaptive merchandising, and revenue acceleration.
She leads analytics teams delivering real-time customer insights and trend detection.
Kalu also advises on digital retail policy and mentors for greater tech inclusion.
