Kano State, nestled in the northern region of Nigeria, holds the title of the country’s most populous state. Known for its vibrant markets, cultural heritage, and historic city walls, Kano has also earned a reputation for nurturing some of Nigeria’s and Africa’s wealthiest and most influential personalities. Among these elite individuals is the world’s richest Black man, with roots firmly planted in this bustling state. Join Richlist Nigeria as we explore the lives and legacies of the richest people from Kano State, showcasing their entrepreneurial success, business acumen, and contributions to the global and local economies.
1. Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man and the richest Black man in the world, requires no introduction. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of Dangote Group, Dangote oversees a multinational conglomerate involved in cement manufacturing, energy, sugar refining, and several other sectors. With an 85% stake in Dangote Group, his net worth is estimated at $17 billion. Some of his subsidiaries include:
•Twister B.V.: Acquired from Shell Technology Ventures in 2016, this Netherlands-based company provides gas processing solutions for the oil and gas sectors.
•Dangote Sinotruk: This $100-million truck assembly plant, located in Lagos, produces 10,000 trucks annually. Dangote Group holds a 60% stake, while Sinotruk, a Chinese company, owns the remaining 40%.
•Integrated Steel: A key player in steel manufacturing, producing steel bars and rods at 400,000 MT annually.
•Dangote Oil Refinery: The world’s largest single-train refinery, with a production capacity of 650,000 barrels per day and an investment exceeding $19 billion.
2. Abdul Samad Rabiu
Ranked as the third-richest man in Nigeria and sixth in Africa, Abdul Samad Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group. This conglomerate is active in cement, sugar refining, rice milling, oil milling, real estate, and more. With a 93% stake in BUA Cement, valued at $3.3 billion in market capitalization, Rabiu’s net worth stands at around $7 billion. Key holdings and projects include:
•BUA Cement: Nigeria’s second-largest cement producer, with an installed capacity of 11 million MT annually.
•BUA Foods: Comprising five divisions, including BUA Sugar with a refining capacity of 1.5 million MT and the largest rice mill in Nigeria, being upgraded to a capacity of 1 million MT.
•BUA Estates: Notable properties like BUA Hills, Abuja; BUA Business Park, Abuja; BUA Towers, Lagos; and The BUA Place, Lagos.
3. Aminu Dantata
Aminu Dantata, the sole surviving child of Alhassan Dantata (West Africa’s wealthiest man at his time), took over the family empire, Alhassan Dantata and Sons, in 1960. His portfolio includes significant investments in Mentholatum, SCOA, and Raleigh Industries. As founder of Express Petroleum & Gas, Aminu Dantata was also pivotal in establishing Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest bank. His estimated net worth is $1 billion.
4. Sayyu Idris Dantata
Founder and CEO of MRS Holdings, Sayyu Idris Dantata transformed MRS Oil Nigeria into one of the country’s largest fuel suppliers after acquiring majority shares from Chevron. His assets include:
•MRS Oil Nigeria: Over 586 retail stations nationwide.
•Lagos Terminals: With capacities of 15 million liters per day at Tin Can Island and 2 million liters per day at Apapa.
•Bestaf Lubricant Plant: A $450-million facility producing up to 200 million liters of lubricants yearly, meeting 50% of Nigeria’s demand.
Sayyu Dantata, a prominent figure in the Dantata dynasty, has an estimated net worth of $800 million.
5. Auwalu Rano
Founder of A.A. Rano Group, Auwalu Rano oversees a conglomerate with substantial investments in oil, gas, transportation, and aviation. Key ventures include:
•Rano Oil and Gas: Operating over 100 filling stations with Nigeria’s highest petrol volume of 169.7 million liters per month.
•Rano Air: A newly acquired fleet of five Embraer E145 aircraft to serve eight stations nationwide.
His net worth is estimated at $480 million.
6. Saadina Dantata
Also a member of the Dantata dynasty, Saadina Dantata is the chairman of Danba Group, a diversified company involved in agriculture, oil & gas, construction, and more. Notable projects include:
•Gas-to-Liquid Project: A $450-million venture in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom state government.
•Ajaokuta-Katsina Gas Pipeline: A $4-billion project, with power plants planned for Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano.
•Floating LNG Project: Valued at $1.5 billion and developed with BW Offshore of Norway.
Saadina Dantata’s estimated net worth stands at $470 million.
7. Abdulmunafi Yunusa Sarina
Abdulmunafi Yunusa Sarina, founder of Azman Group, initially ventured into transport through Sani Brothers Group. Today, his conglomerate includes:
•Azman Oil: Operating over 50 stations and 200 trucks for nationwide fuel distribution.
•Azman Air: Serving 11 destinations in Nigeria as well as Senegal and Saudi Arabia.
•Azman University Kano: A recent FEC-approved institution.
Abdulmunafi Sarina has an estimated net worth of $450 million.
8. Tajudeen Aminu Dantata
Son of Aminu Dantata, Tajudeen Aminu Dantata acquired Bebeji Oil (now Dantata Foods) in 2005 and sits on several corporate boards, including the Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, Jaiz Bank, and MTN. In 2021, he was honored as Business Day’s Industrialist of the Year. His net worth is approximately $400 million.
9. Musbahu Bashir
Chairman of Cobalt International Services and Althani Group, Musbahu Bashir also leads Mafab Communications, a company that won Nigeria’s 5G auction alongside MTN. His net worth is estimated at $250 million.
10. Kabiru Rabiu
Kabiru Rabiu serves as the group executive director of BUA Group, with ventures in cement, sugar, flour milling, oil, real estate, and shipping. He is also the founder of Hollaport, a payment and messaging platform. As the younger brother of Abdul Samad Rabiu, Kabiru has a net worth estimated at $100 million.
These notable figures have not only achieved impressive financial success but have also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development and global market standing. Through their businesses and investments, they continue to drive economic growth, create jobs, and inspire future generations in Kano and beyond.