Nigeria is home to many wealthy individuals who play key roles in driving the nation’s economy. Among them, Northern men stand out for their immense wealth and influence across business, politics, and industry. This list highlights some of the richest men from Northern Nigeria, celebrating their achievements and contributions.
The North is the largest and most populous region in Nigeria, and it boasts numerous wealthy figures — from business tycoons and industrialists to top executives and leaders across various sectors.
1. Dangote – $24.5billion
Aliko Dangote, who hails from Kano State, Nigeria is the richest black man on earth and by extension he is the number 1 on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria.
Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, is the founder and chairman of Dangote Cement, the largest cement producer on the continent. Through his holding company, he controls 85% of the publicly listed firm, which boasts an annual production capacity of 48.6 million metric tons and operations spanning 10 African countries.
Beyond cement, Dangote has expanded into other industries. His long-anticipated fertilizer plant in Nigeria officially began operations in March 2022, strengthening the nation’s agricultural sector.
In addition, the Dangote Refinery, a project launched in 2016, kicked off refining operations in early 2024, marking another milestone in his industrial empire.
For the first time ever, Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery has exported petrol to the United States. A shipment of approximately 320,000 barrels of gasoline arrived at New York Harbor, marking a significant achievement for Africa’s largest oil refinery.
2. AbdulSamad Rabiu – $7.7billion
Abdulsamad Rabiu, who also hailed from Kano State, Nigeria, is second on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria.
Abdulsamad Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group, a Nigerian conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, and real estate. In January 2020, he consolidated his privately-owned Obu Cement with the publicly listed Cement Company of Northern Nigeria, creating BUA Cement Plc, now listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. Rabiu holds a 98.2% stake in the company, alongside a 95% ownership in the publicly traded food giant, BUA Foods.
The son of a prominent businessman, Rabiu inherited land from his father but built his own path in commerce. In 1988, he founded his first company, focusing on the importation of iron, steel, and chemicals, laying the foundation for what would grow into one of Nigeria’s largest business empires.
3. Ibrahim Babaginda – $5billion
Former Nigerian Army General and ex-Military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB),is number 3 on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria.
Widely known as the “Nigerian Maradona” for his political maneuvering, Babangida has left an indelible mark on both the Nigerian Army and the nation’s political history.
Babangida is rumored to be worth over $5 billion, with much of his wealth believed to come from hidden stakes in several top Nigerian companies.
His assets include a lavish multi-million naira hilltop mansion and an enviable car collection featuring a Mercedes Benz S600, Rolls Royce Phantom III luxury sedan, BMW 760Li, Toyota Land Cruiser, as well as a Learjet 45 valued at ₦594.7 million.
4. Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, better known as A.A. Rano – $3billion
Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano, popularly known as A.A. Rano, is reported to have a net worth exceeding $3 billion as of late 2024, according to multiple sources from June and November of the year.
Rano built his fortune through his conglomerate, AA Rano Nigeria Limited, which operates across several key sectors including oil and gas, aviation, and agriculture. The company also manages over 200 fuel stations and owns major infrastructure assets, notably a 56 million-liter tank farm, cementing Rano’s status as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.
His net worth estimated at over $3 billion as of mid-to-late 2024.
Rano began his entrepreneurial journey selling everyday items such as groundnut oil and ice blocks, before establishing AA Rano Industries Nigeria Limited, a conglomerate with extensive operations across multiple sectors.
His oil and gas empire includes 200 filling stations, a 56 million-liter tank farm, and a fleet of over 600 trucks. Beyond oil, Rano has diversified into aviation and agriculture, solidifying his position as a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy.
His remarkable journey from a modest seller to a billionaire entrepreneur underscores a story of vision, resilience, and strategic growth.
5. Dahiru Barau Mangal – $2billion
Billionaire business magnate Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, who hails from Katsina state, is the 5th on the list of the top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria. He is worth over $2billion.
Mangal is the founder of Max Air Limited, a leading domestic and international airline. Beyond aviation, his investments cut across oil and gas, transportation, construction, and manufacturing, cementing his reputation as a diversified entrepreneur.
Known for his political clout in Katsina and beyond, Mangal maintains close ties with top leaders in Nigeria. He is equally recognized for his philanthropy, channeling resources into education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation initiatives across Northern Nigeria.
In the corporate space, Mangal holds significant shares in Oando Plc and other top Nigerian companies, underscoring his growing footprint in the nation’s economy.
In the year 2024, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal CON completed a $1.5 billion cement plant in Kogi State, Nigeria.
The plant is said to produce 200 trucks of cement daily and create 10,000 direct and many more indirect jobs.
6. Bukola Saraki – $2billion
Bukola Saraki, who is from the North-Central part of Nigeria, Kwara State, is 6th on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria.
Bukola Born in the United Kingdom, Saraki has emerged as a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, leaving an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.
Renowned for his eloquence and strategic acumen, Saraki has held key positions and wielded significant influence throughout his career as both a businessman and politician. During his tenure as Governor of Kwara State from 2003 to 2011, he spearheaded various developmental initiatives and policies that positively impacted the lives of his constituents.
Subsequently, Saraki transitioned to the Nigerian Senate, representing Kwara Central, and ascended to the role of Senate President from 2015 to 2019, where he played a pivotal role in legislative affairs and exerted substantial influence. His leadership was characterized by a commitment to advancing national interests, promoting transparency, and fostering good governance.
Prior to his illustrious political career, Saraki served in Société Générale Bank (Nig) Ltd from 1990 to 2000, ultimately rising to the position of Director. Apart from politics, he has been actively involved in business ventures and philanthropy, utilizing his resources to drive positive change across various sectors.
In the healthcare sector, Saraki chairs a group that operates private hospitals across the Southwest. What began as small clinics in Ilorin has now grown into modern medical centers, providing essential services in a country where public facilities remain overstretched.
His agribusiness ventures in Kwara State, including rice mills and cattle farms, have also expanded significantly. With modern equipment and advanced processing techniques, the Saraki family has transformed smallholder operations into industrial-scale suppliers, serving markets in Lagos, Abuja, and beyond.
In real estate, Saraki and his family maintain a strong presence, owning shopping complexes and office towers in Ilorin, Lagos, and Abuja. Rental income from these properties provides a steady revenue stream that complements his other enterprises.
7. Atiku Abubakar – $1.8billion
Atiku Abubakar who hails from Adamawa State is the number 7th on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, born on November 25, 1946, in Jada, Adamawa State, remains one of Nigeria’s most prominent political and business figures. He served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo and has since made several bids for the presidency, most recently in the 2023 elections.
Beyond politics, Atiku is a successful entrepreneur with wide-ranging business interests. He co-founded Intels Nigeria Limited, a major oil and gas logistics company, and owns stakes in real estate, agriculture, and education, including the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State.
Atiku’s wealth has made him one of Africa’s richest politicians. Multiple reports estimate his net worth is $1.8 billion, with assets spanning businesses, real estate holdings, and other investments. While official audited figures remain undisclosed, his fortune underscores his influence in both Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
8. Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma – $1.6billion
Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma is the 8th on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria.
Born on December 9, 1938, in Takum, Taraba State, Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma is one of Nigeria’s most influential figures, with an estimated net worth of $1.6 billion. Widely regarded as one of the wealthiest men in Northern Nigeria, Danjuma built his reputation as both a military leader and politician in the years following Nigeria’s independence. A retired Lieutenant General of the Nigerian Army, Danjuma played a prominent role in the nation’s political and military landscape.
During the administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo, he served as Chief of Army Staff and later as Minister of Defence. After retiring from active service, Danjuma turned his focus to business, making strategic investments in the oil sector. He is the founder and current Chairman of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO), a company that has become a key player in Nigeria’s energy industry.
9. David Mark – $1.5billion
Born on April 8, 1948, in Benue State, often described as Nigeria’s “food basket,” David Mark has built a remarkable career in both the military and politics, leaving a strong imprint on the nation’s governance.
Mark began his journey in the Nigerian Army before transitioning into civilian politics, where he held key ministerial positions, including Minister of Communications and Minister of Defense. His versatility and steady leadership earned him national recognition.
He rose to prominence as the 12th President of the Nigerian Senate, a position he held from 2007 to 2015, making him one of the longest-serving Senate Presidents in the country’s history. In addition, he represented Benue South Senatorial District from 1999 to 2019, cementing his reputation as a seasoned lawmaker and influential political figure.
10. Mohammed Indimi – $1.5billion
Mohammed Indimi, founder and chairman of Oriental Energy Resources, stands out as one of Nigeria’s most successful indigenous oil magnates. He is the number 10th on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria.
His company has grown into a key player in the nation’s petroleum sector, securing him a place among the country’s wealthiest businessmen who built multibillion-naira fortunes without a university degree.
Born on August 12, 1947, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Indimi came from a humble background and had no access to formal education. Despite these early challenges, he carved out a remarkable path in business, rising to become one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s oil industry.
He is the Chairman of M & W Pump Nigeria Ltd, which had partnered with MWI Corp of Deerfield, Florida, USA.
He founded many successful indigenous companies and sits on the Boards of Arab Contractors O.A.O. Nigeria Ltd; Jaiz Bank Plc and International University of Africa, Khartoum, Sudan.
11. Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal – N1.2Billion
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, is the 11th on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria.
The former Governor of Sokoto state is ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the state, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion.
Tambuwal has made heavy investments in real estate, owning properties in Sokoto, Abuja, and Lagos. His portfolio also includes stakes in agriculture and transport companies that operate across Northern Nigeria.
Beyond business, his influential political network and access to construction and infrastructure contracts have further strengthened his financial standing.
Tambuwal’s fortune is the product of both his political career and strategic business ventures, positioning him as a key player in Northern Nigeria’s economic and political landscape.
12. Aminu Dantata – $1billion
Aminu Alhassan Dantata, born on May 19, 1931, in Kano State, was a renowned Nigerian businessman and philanthropist. He hailed from the influential Dantata family, founded by his father, Alhassan Dantata, who was one of West Africa’s wealthiest merchants in the early 20th century. Throughout his lifetime, Aminu Dantata built a vast business empire spanning oil and gas, banking, agriculture, real estate, construction, and manufacturing.
He founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd, played a key role in establishing Jaiz Bank, and invested heavily in commercial ventures that supported economic growth in Northern Nigeria.
His wealth has been widely estimated at around $1 billion, with some reports suggesting even higher figures. His fortune was largely tied to oil and gas, financial institutions, large-scale farming, and real estate holdings across Nigeria.
Beyond business, Dantata was celebrated for his philanthropy. He contributed to education, healthcare, religious institutions, and community development projects, leaving a lasting impact on Kano and beyond. Aminu Dantata passed away on June 28, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the age of 94.
His death marked the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most prominent business icons, whose legacy continues through his investments, philanthropy, and family heritage.
In a 2023 interview, the late Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who was Aliko Dangote’s uncle, shared that he bought his first private jet in 1967 at the age of 36 for $15,000. As time went on, he kept upgrading to bigger and more expensive jets, some worth up to $50 million. By the time he passed away, he reportedly had around 10 private jets.
13. Dauda Lawal Dare – $1billion
Dauda Lawal Dare, the executive Governor of Zamfara State is number 13th on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria..
Born on September 2, 1965, Lawal studied Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, later earning a master’s degree in International Relations and a doctorate in Business Administration.
His career path led him to the banking sector, where he rose through the ranks at First Bank of Nigeria Plc, eventually serving as Executive Director for Public Sector North. Lawal transitioned into politics and was elected Governor of Zamfara State in May 2023 under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Since then, he has positioned himself as a key figure in the state’s political and economic landscape.
He made headlines in December 2023 when Ex-Petroleum Minister, Diezani went on to mention her association with Dauda Lawal Dare, the current governor of Zamfara State, to whom she entrusted over 9 billion dollars for safekeeping while he served as the Executive Director of First Bank Nigeria PLC.
She said, “My husband and my entire family members including my Nigeria lawyer based in the United Kingdom knew my relationship with Dauda Lawal Dare, the current Zamfara State governor whom I entrusted over 9 billion dollars for safe keeping while he was the Executive Director of the First Bank Nigeria PLC.
“Unfortunately, it has now come to a point that Mr Dauda Lawal is no longer picking my phone calls and even worked in Collaboration with UK police to put me under Surveillance, maybe to claim the money I entrusted to him when I die.”
14. Kashim Shettima – $950million
Nigeria’s current Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who previously served as the Governor of Borno State, is reported to have an estimated net worth of $950 million. He is the number 14 on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has built a diverse portfolio of wealth and investments alongside his long political career.
His years of service as Governor of Borno State and later as a Senator provided him with access to key opportunities that strengthened his financial base. Beyond politics, Shettima has made significant investments in real estate, owning commercial and residential properties in Abuja, Lagos, and Maiduguri.
In addition, he has interests in large-scale agricultural projects, which not only contribute to his fortune but also support economic activity in the North-East.
Before venturing fully into politics, Shettima also held a stake in major financial institutions, giving him strong ties to Nigeria’s banking sector.
15. Yakubu Dogara – $900Million
Former Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, is number 15th on the list of top 20 richest men from the northern part of Nigeria with an estimated networth of $900 million.
Dogara, who served as Speaker between 2015 and 2019, has built a vast fortune through years in politics combined with strategic investments in key sectors of the economy.
His business interests cut across real estate, where he owns luxury properties in Abuja and Bauchi; construction, with stakes in infrastructure projects; and agriculture, through large-scale farming and agro-processing ventures.
The former lawmaker’s wealth places him among the elite class of Northern Nigeria’s political and business figures.
16. Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu – $895Million
Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu, born on June 11, 1955, served as the Governor of Bauchi State from 1999 to 2007, completing two consecutive terms in office. Before his political career, he studied construction economics at Birmingham University in the United Kingdom.
A prominent figure in Northern Nigeria, Adamu is known for his taste for luxury, owning high-end vehicles such as a Toyota Sequoia, Lexus LX570, and Range Rover Discovery. His net worth is estimated at $895 million, placing him among the wealthy elite in the region.
17. Colonel Sani Bello – $800million
Sani Bello, born on November 27, 1942, is a Nigerian statesman and retired military officer who served as Governor of Kano State from 1975 to 1978. After leaving public service, he channeled his wealth into major investments in oil, telecommunications, and electricity, while also establishing the Sani Bello Foundation to drive philanthropy.
Expanding his business footprint, Colonel Bello built strong networks in banking, insurance, construction, and telecommunications, leveraging partnerships and friendships that date back to his youth with former Heads of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
He is a founding partner of Amni International Petroleum Development Company, which owns stakes in the Ketu and Okoro oilfields. Today, he serves as chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited and Dantata and Sawoe Construction Company Limited. With an estimated net worth of $800 million, Colonel Bello is ranked as the 7th wealthiest Northerner in Nigeria.
18. Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III – The Sultan of Sokoto ($780 Million)
Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar CFR, born on 24 August 1956, is the 20th Sultan of Sokoto. As the Sultan, he serves as the spiritual leader of Muslims in Nigeria, playing a central role in religious guidance and Islamic affairs across the country.
Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar began his military career in 1977, when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the elite Armoured Corps. In the late 1980s, he led a presidential security unit responsible for protecting then-military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida.
During the early 1980s, Abubakar commanded a battalion of African peacekeepers in Chad under the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and later served as a military liaison officer for ECOWAS in the mid-1990s. In 1993, he was appointed Commanding Officer of the 241 Recce Battalion in Kaduna, and from 1995 to 1999, he served as ECOWAS military liaison officer and Commanding Officer of the 231 Tank Battalion during ECOMOG operations in Sierra Leone.
From 2003 to 2006, Abubakar held the position of Defence Attaché to Pakistan, with accreditation for Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan, before retiring as a Brigadier General in 2006.
Following the tragic death of his brother, Sultan Muhammadu Maccido, in the ADC Airlines Flight 53 crash, Abubakar ascended the throne as the 20th Sultan of Sokoto on 2 November 2006.
His sources of wealth span across several sectors, reflecting his strong ties to tradition, culture, and commerce.
A significant portion of his fortune is attributed to vast landholdings and real estate investments, particularly in northern Nigeria. He also commands influence in the agriculture and livestock industries, sectors that remain central to the economy of the region.
In addition, the Sultan benefits from patronage and support from religious and cultural organizations, further cementing his standing as both a spiritual and economic powerhouse.
Through these channels, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar continues to sustain his position as one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional rulers with considerable wealth and influence.
19. Baba Gana Kingibe – $650million
Veteran Nigerian diplomat and politician, Babagana Kingibe, remains one of the most influential figures in the country’s political and diplomatic history. Born on June 25, 1945, in Borno State, Kingibe has built a career that spans public service, international diplomacy, and politics.
A graduate of International Relations from the University of Sussex, United Kingdom, Kingibe began his professional journey as a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University before joining the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1972.
He later served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan, and went on to occupy several ministerial positions under the military regime of General Sani Abacha, including Foreign Affairs, Internal Affairs, and Power and Steel.
Kingibe also played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s political transition, running as the vice-presidential candidate alongside MKO Abiola in the annulled 1993 presidential election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In 2007, he was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, a role he held until 2008. Beyond Nigeria, Kingibe contributed to peace efforts across Africa, serving as the African Union’s Special Envoy to Sudan.
Recognized with several national honors, including the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Kingibe continues to be regarded as a seasoned diplomat, political strategist, and respected elder statesman.
Kingibe’s wealth and investments span multiple sectors: his extensive career in government and international relations has provided strategic opportunities, while his real estate holdings in Abuja and Lagos further bolster his portfolio.
He also has stakes in agriculture and logistics, operating companies that provide farming and transportation services across the country. Widely respected for his contributions to Nigeria’s governance, Kingibe has successfully translated his political and diplomatic experience into a diversified business empire.
20. Bala Mohammed – $650million
Bala Mohammed is a Nigerian politician, journalist, and public servant who currently serves as the Governor of Bauchi State. He was born on 5 October 1958 in Duguri, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Before becoming governor, he worked as a journalist and later joined the civil service, rising through various ranks.
He gained national recognition when he served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2010 to 2015 under former President Goodluck Jonathan, where he oversaw major infrastructural and urban development projects in Abuja.
In 2019, Bala Mohammed was elected as Governor of Bauchi State on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was re-elected in 2023. He is known for his political influence in northern Nigeria and has also been mentioned among potential presidential contenders.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has emerged as a prominent figure not only in politics but also in business, leveraging his public service experience to build substantial wealth.
His financial portfolio spans political influence, which has opened doors to key opportunities, real estate holdings in major Nigerian cities, and large-scale agricultural ventures that contribute to Bauchi State’s economy.
Bala Mohammed is widely recognized for his developmental projects, combining public service with strategic investments to create a diversified and influential economic presence.
In conclusion, the top 20 richest men from the Northern part of Nigeria show what vision, hard work, and determination can achieve. From industrial leaders like Aliko Dangote and Abdulsamad Rabiu to political figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Bukola Saraki, these men have built fortunes across business, politics, agriculture, oil and gas, and real estate. Their journeys prove that wealth can come from many paths, and their success stories offer the youth clear examples of what focus, perseverance, and smart decisions can accomplish.
