Nigerian businessman Ladi Jadesimi’s Aradel stake nears $300 million as shares rise

In Nigeria’s energy and investment circles, Oladipo “Ladi” Jadesimi is drawing renewed attention as the market value of his holdings in Aradel Holdings continues to rise, placing his stake close to the $300 million mark. The 82-year-old businessman, known for maintaining a low public profile despite his influence in energy and industrial infrastructure, holds a 5.27 percent stake in the Lagos-listed integrated independent energy company.

Market data tracked by Shore.Africa shows that Ladi Jadesimi owns 229,034,760 ordinary shares in Aradel Holdings through a private holding and investment vehicle that also holds interests in other Nigerian companies. The position, which represents a 5.27 percent stake, sits at the center of a portfolio built over years of activity across energy and industrial infrastructure.

Aradel shares rise 164 percent; Jadesimi stake hits $295.5 million

At 82, Jadesimi, who is also the founder and executive chairman of the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (Ladol Group of Companies), has seen the value of his Aradel stake rise significantly this year. Since Jan. 1, its market value has increased by N252 billion ($189.4 million), climbing from N153.5 billion ($106.1 million) at the start of the year to N405.4 billion ($295.5 million) at the time of this report. The gain reflects sustained buying interest in Aradel shares on the Nigerian Exchange as broader sentiment toward listed equities strengthened.

Aradel Holdings has been one of the more closely watched names on the local bourse, with its share price rising 164 percent so far this year. That performance has pushed its market capitalization to N7.98 trillion ($5.8 billion), supported by investor demand tied to stronger crude price levels and operational performance. The move in the share price has been the primary driver behind the expansion in the value of Jadesimi’s holding, which now sits just below the $300 million threshold.

Associate profits boost full-year results

Aradel Holdings, founded in 1992 and listed on the Nigerian Exchange in October 2024, has undergone a notable period of financial expansion. For the 2025 financial year, the company reported profit after tax of N401.2 billion ($290.8 million), a 55 percent increase from N259.1 billion ($188.1 million) a year earlier. The improvement was driven by higher revenue, stronger profit from associates, and contributions across crude oil, refined products, and gas operations.

The company’s balance sheet also expanded sharply over the period. Total assets rose from N1.75 trillion ($1.26 billion) to N10.4 trillion, while shareholders’ equity reached N3.48 trillion. Retained earnings climbed to N654.1 billion ($473.8 million), reflecting how the year’s earnings translated into a stronger financial base. Against this backdrop, Jadesimi’s stake in Aradel, now nearing $300 million, reflects how market gains have lifted long-held positions in the country.

Beyond Aradel, Jadesimi remains chairman of Ladol Group of Companies, which established and operates Nigeria’s largest Industrial Free Zone. He also serves on several boards and is chairman of First City Monument Group Holding Company, maintaining a presence across key segments of Nigeria’s corporate sector while keeping a relatively low public profile.(Shore Africa)