Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa with a nominal GDP of $440.78 billion, is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and economic prowess. It is a multinational state with over 250 ethnic groups speaking more than 500 distinct languages. Among these are some of the richest individuals on the continent, whose fortunes span industries like oil and gas, agriculture, real estate, telecommunications, and more.
In this detailed article, we highlight the richest individuals from each state in Nigeria, showcasing their industries, achievements, and net worths. Let’s dive in!
Sokoto State
1. Ahmed Dasuki
•Key Achievements: Chairman of Fifth Chukker Polo & Country Club, which operates in Nigeria and Ghana. A former board member at Stanbic IBTC Holding Company, Ahmed Dasuki has accumulated significant wealth.
•Assets: Owns a 0.75% stake in MTN Nigeria, valued at $50M.
Net Worth: $250M.
2. Aliyu Jelani
•Profession: Automotive designer and DG of the National Automotive Design and Development Council.
•Contributions: Designed iconic cars like the Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Volt during his 15 years with General Motors.
Net Worth: $100M
3. Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar
•Title: 20th Sultan of Sokoto.
•Influence: Spiritual leader of Nigeria’s 98.7M Muslims and a key figure in determining national Islamic festivities.
Net Worth: $100M.
Taraba State
Theophilus Danjuma
•Profession: Billionaire retired Lieutenant General and former Chief of Army Staff (1975–1979).
•Business Empire: Founder of South Atlantic Petroleum, which holds oil exploration and production licenses in Nigeria and beyond.
•Other Ventures: Owner of NAL-Comet Group, one of Africa’s largest indigenous port operators.
•Philanthropy: Pledged $100M to charity via the TY Danjuma Foundation.
Net Worth: $1.2B
Jigawa State
1. Isah Muhammad Gerawa
•Industry: Founder of Gerawa Group of Companies.
•Accomplishments: Built West Africa’s largest oil mill (1,200 tons/day capacity) and expanded into rice milling with investments exceeding $50M.
Net Worth: $200M
2. Nasiru Haladu Danu
•Position: Chairman and CEO of Casiva Limited, a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
•Contracts: Secured major pipeline security contracts with NNPC.
Net Worth: $180M.
Borno State
1. Mohammed Indimi
•Business: Founder and Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, managing key oil blocs like OML 67, OPL 224, and OML 115.
•Recognition: Listed on Forbes Africa’s richest individuals.
Net Worth: $850M
2. Zanna Mai Deribe
•Heritage: Son of former Nigerian billionaire Mai Deribe.
•Business Ventures: Former Chairman of Cavendish Petroleum and Executive Chairman of Congate Nigeria Limited.
Net Worth: $200M
3. Ibrahim Bunu
•Profession: Architect and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
•Business: Chairman of Optimum Petroleum, operators of oil block OPL 310.
Net Worth: $80M
Ebonyi State
1. David Umahi
•Position: Governor of Ebonyi State.
•Business Ventures: Founder of Norman Engineering and owner of Osborn La Palm Royal Resort.
Net Worth: $100M.
2. Ifeanyi Odii
•Role: Founder of Orient Global Group and CEO of Ultimus Holdings.
•Political Career: Contested as PDP gubernatorial candidate in 2023.
Net Worth: $80M.
Adamawa State
1. Atiku Abubakar
•Legacy: Former Vice President of Nigeria (1999–2007).
•Entrepreneurship: Founder of Intels and ABTI Schools. Claims to employ over 50,000 people across his enterprises.
Net Worth: $1.5B
2. Abdullahi Bashir Haske
•Business: Founder and GMD of AA&R Investments.
•Assets: Majority owner of stakes in oil blocs OML 123, 124, 126, and 137.
Net Worth: $250M
Niger State
Sani Bello
•Legacy: Founder of Amni International Petroleum Development, with key oil and gas assets in Nigeria and Ghana.
•Career: Former military Governor of old Kano State.
Net Worth: $1B
Gombe State
Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna
•Position: MD of Sahelian Energy and Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).
Net Worth: $85M
