Nigerian business executive Bella Disu has led Abumet Nigeria Limited, a leading glass and aluminum manufacturing company, to record-breaking earnings, with profits soaring 307% at the end of the 2024 fiscal year. This milestone highlights her ability to turn around struggling businesses while further cementing her role as one of Africa’s top executives under 40.
Bella Disu’s Leadership Sparks Abumet’s Comeback
At just 38, Disu has established herself as a force in Nigeria’s corporate landscape, stepping into the legacy of her father, billionaire Mike Adenuga. Since assuming the role of chairman at Abumet in 2021, she has orchestrated a remarkable recovery, transforming the company from a loss-making entity to a thriving business.
Reflecting on this success, Disu attributed the turnaround to strategic leadership and teamwork. “This success is the result of strategic leadership at the Board level, the dedication of our management team, and the collective effort of every Abumet employee,” she stated.
Under her leadership, Abumet rebounded from pandemic-induced losses by the end of 2022, sustained profitability in 2023, and posted its best financial performance in 2024.
Expanding Market Reach and Driving Innovation
As a 90% subsidiary of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Abumet plays a crucial role in the construction giant’s operations. Disu, who also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Julius Berger, has been instrumental in driving market expansion.
Julius Berger’s revenue surged from N446.1 billion ($296.4 million) in 2023 to N566.2 billion ($376.2 million) in 2024, with profit after tax rising to N14.97 billion ($10 million). This growth has strengthened its position on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), where it now ranks among the top 50 publicly listed firms.
Abumet has also expanded its reach with a new Lagos sales office, boosting its share of Nigeria’s window and door solutions market. Additionally, its EVONIGGLASS insulated glass brand has gained industry-wide recognition.
Pioneering Energy-Efficient Solutions
Disu’s next move is to position Abumet as an innovation leader in advanced façade solutions. The company is rolling out unitized curtain walls that enhance both aesthetics and energy efficiency, using modern insulation technologies.
With a track record of business transformation spanning construction, telecommunications, and real estate, Disu is proving to be one of the most dynamic business leaders in Nigeria today. Her leadership at Abumet is not just reshaping the company’s future—it’s setting new standards for Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
