In an era where entrepreneurship often contends with the forces of uncertainty, Tonya Lawani emerges as a tireless architect of growth, resilience, and innovation. With more than two decades of leadership across multiple sectors, Tonya has progressed from a university undergraduate engaged in trading to the formidable leader of SEAL Group, a thriving conglomerate with interests across manufacturing, advertising, hospitality, retail, marketing communications, print media, and medical procurement.
Tonya’s entrepreneurial journey began as a student at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where her passion for trade laid the groundwork for what would become a legacy of enterprise. That foundation took shape in 2005 with the establishment of Virgin Vie Angel Limited, a hospitality branding and merchandising company that quickly rose to prominence. Her firm built a reputation for excellence, serving renowned clients including Dangote Group, UBA, Airtel, Air France, and Multichoice.
Today, as the Group Chief Executive of SEAL Group, Tonya oversees a family of companies including ABC Inflatables Nigeria Ltd, The Virgin Hospitality Company, Expose Et Al Limited, and The Quick Print Shop Limited. Each subsidiary holds a strong market position, reinforcing the SEAL Group as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and forward-moving business empires.
Among her most groundbreaking ventures is ABC Inflatables Nigeria Limited, founded in 2006. The company pioneered the use of inflatables for advertising in Nigeria and has since become a staple for corporate launches and high-impact campaigns. With clients such as Reckitt Benckiser, Cadbury, GTBank, Nestlé, and numerous government bodies, ABC Inflatables has set a benchmark for creative brand engagement in West Africa.
In 2010, Tonya launched The Virgin Hospitality Company, extending her influence within the hospitality sector. With a client base of over 500 hotels, the company is a trusted partner to major brands like Eko Hotel and Suites, Transcorp Hilton, and Intercontinental Hotels.
To complete the group’s value chain, she established The Quick Print Shop Limited, a state-of-the-art printing solutions provider with a headquarters in Shomolu, Lagos and additional branches in Abuja and Benin City. This strategic move ensured that SEAL Group remained self-sufficient, agile, and quality-driven.
Tonya’s influence goes beyond business. A Harvard-trained professional, she has completed programs in contract law, strategic project management, and data visualization. Her executive education includes the Owner Manager Programme at Lagos Business School and advanced leadership courses at the Chartered Institute of Directors, where she holds membership.
She is also the author of the bestselling iSucceed Business Planner, a practical productivity tool used by emerging entrepreneurs and executives across Africa.
Her impact has earned her positions on several prestigious boards, including the Board of Governors at Corona Schools’ Trust Council and the board of NASCON Allied Industries Plc, a subsidiary of the Dangote Group. She also serves as a non-executive director at Tatum Bank.
Tonya is a firm believer in the power of enterprise for social good. In 2019, she launched the Lagos Enterprise Summit, Nigeria’s largest gathering of entrepreneurs focused on innovation and job creation. The same year, she convened the HSE Summit in response to the Itafaji building collapse, bringing together stakeholders to address health, safety, and environmental concerns. Both initiatives are examples of how Tonya blends business leadership with civic responsibility.
Born and raised in Kaduna, Tonya is fluent in Hausa and deeply connected to Nigerian culture. At the same time, her global exposure and extensive travel have broadened her worldview and inspired her to lead with empathy, vision, and purpose.
Tonya Lawani is not only building companies but also creating opportunities. She is not just branding products but opening new frontiers for what African enterprise can be. Her leadership, grounded in values and driven by results, has positioned her as a transformative force in both business and society.
With every step, Tonya continues to redefine what it means to be a modern African entrepreneur. Her legacy is one of substance, strategy, and service—lighting a path for the next generation of dreamers and doers across the continent.
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