Reading success stories of Nigerian entrepreneurs will inspire and show that nothing is impossible. Here, Nigeria’s top 10 successful entrepreneurs demonstrate how to succeed. Learn how these wealthy individuals achieved success over the years.
Nigeria is naturally endowed with resources, including hardworking individuals who have earned a reputation in entrepreneurship. Who are the richest entrepreneurs in Nigeria? Several wealthy individuals own various businesses.
Apart from their wealth, they have also influenced society with their entrepreneurial skills. Who are they and how did they make their wealth?
Top 10 Richest Entrepreneurs In Nigeria
10. Orji Uzor Kalu
- Net Worth: $330 Million
- Source of Wealth: Diversified investments
- Date of Birth: April 21, 1960
- Age: 61
- State of Origin: Abia State
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Abia State University, Nigeria
Orji Uzor Kalu is a Nigerian entrepreneur and politician. He is the founder and chairman of Slok Holding, a conglomerate with interests in industries such as banking, oil and gas, media, and shipping.
Kalu’s entrepreneurial ventures have spanned various sectors, and he has successfully built a business empire. In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Kalu has served as the governor of Abia State in Nigeria.
He has made significant contributions to the Nigerian economy through his businesses and has been involved in philanthropic activities as well.
9. Jim Ovia
- Net Worth: $550 million
- Source of Wealth: Banking and investments
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1951
- Age: 70
- State of Origin: Delta State
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Louisiana, USA
Jim Ovia is a Nigerian entrepreneur and banker. He is the founder and former CEO of Zenith Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Nigeria. Ovia played a significant role in the growth and expansion of Zenith Bank, transforming it into a leading player in the Nigerian banking industry. He is also involved in other businesses such as telecommunications and real estate. Ovia is recognized for his contributions to the development of the Nigerian financial sector and his philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare.
8. Tony Elumelu
- Net Worth: $700 million
- Source of Wealth: Banking and investments
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1951
- Age: 70
- State of Origin: Delta State
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Southern University, Louisiana, USA
Tony Elumelu is a Nigerian entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder and chairman of Heirs Holdings, a diversified investment company with interests in industries such as banking, energy, real estate, and hospitality.
Elumelu is known for his strategic investments and his commitment to promoting entrepreneurship in Africa. Through his Tony Elumelu Foundation, he provides training, mentorship, and funding to aspiring entrepreneurs across the continent, with the goal of empowering them to create sustainable businesses and drive economic growth.
7. Folorunsho Alakija
- Net Worth: $1 billion
- Source of Wealth: Oil and gas, fashion, real estate
- Date of Birth: July 15, 1951
- Age: 70
- State of Origin: Lagos State
- Education: Secretarial studies at Pitman’s Central College, London, UK
Folorunsho Alakija is one of the richest women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. She made her fortune in the oil industry through her company, Famfa Oil. Alakija’s entrepreneurial journey began when she acquired an oil prospecting license, which turned out to be highly lucrative.
Apart from her success in the oil sector, Alakija has diversified her investments into other sectors such as fashion and real estate. She is also actively involved in philanthropy, particularly in the areas of education and women empowerment.
6. Jimoh Ibrahim
- Net Worth: $1.8 billion
- Source of Wealth: Oil and gas, power generation, real estate
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1962
- Age: 59
- State of Origin: Ekiti State
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Jimoh Ibrahim is an entrepreneur with diverse business interests. He has made notable achievements in sectors such as oil and gas, insurance, and hospitality. Ibrahim is the founder and chairman of Global Fleet Group, which operates in industries such as oil and gas exploration, insurance, asset management, and hospitality.
His entrepreneurial journey began with the acquisition of an oil block, and he has expanded his business portfolio over the years. Ibrahim is known for his business acumen and his contributions to the Nigerian economy.
5. Femi Otedola
- Net Worth: $1.8 billion
- Source of Wealth: Oil and gas, power generation, real estate
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1962
- Age: 59
- State of Origin: Ekiti State
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
Femi Otedola is a well-known Nigerian entrepreneur. He made his fortune in the oil and gas industry through his company, Forte Oil. Otedola’s entrepreneurial success extends beyond the energy sector, as he has diversified his investments into other areas such as power generation and real estate.
He has played a significant role in the development of the Nigerian energy sector and has been actively involved in initiatives aimed at improving the country’s power supply. Otedola is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education and healthcare.
4. Cletus Ibeto
- Net Worth: $3.8 billion
- Source of Wealth: Manufacturing, trading
- Date of Birth: November 6, 1952
- Age: 69
- State of Origin: Anambra State
- Education: Not available
Cletus Ibeto is known for his success in the manufacturing and trading sectors. He is the founder and chairman of Ibeto Group, a conglomerate that operates in industries such as cement, automobile spare parts, real estate, and petrochemicals. Ibeto’s entrepreneurial journey began with trading activities, and he gradually expanded his business into manufacturing.
His company, Ibeto Group, has become a major player in the Nigerian manufacturing sector, contributing to job creation and economic development. Ibeto is also involved in philanthropic activities, supporting causes such as education and healthcare.
3. Mike Adenuga
- Net Worth: $3.7 billion
- Source of Wealth: Telecommunications, oil and gas
- Date of Birth: April 29, 1953
- Age: 68
- State of Origin: Ogun State
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, USA
Mike Adenuga is a prominent Nigerian entrepreneur with interests in telecommunications, oil exploration and production, and real estate. He is the founder and chairman of Globacom, a telecommunications company that operates in Nigeria and other African countries.
Adenuga’s entrepreneurial success in the telecom sector has made him one of the key players in the industry. He has also ventured into the oil and gas sector through his company, Conoil, contributing to Nigeria’s energy sector. Adenuga’s business ventures have significantly contributed to the Nigerian economy, and he is known for his philanthropic efforts as well.
2. Abdul Samad Rabiu
- Net Worth: $5.4 billion
- Source of Wealth: Cement, sugar, flour, real estate
- Date of Birth: August 4, 1960
- Age: 61
- State of Origin: Kano State
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Capital University, Ohio, USA
Abdul Samad Rabiu is the second richest entrepreneur in Nigeria. He is the founder and chairman of BUA Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, flour, real estate, and infrastructure. Rabiu’s entrepreneurial journey began with trading activities, and he gradually expanded his business into manufacturing and infrastructure development.
BUA Group, under his leadership, has become one of the leading players in the Nigerian manufacturing sector, particularly in the cement industry. Rabiu is also actively involved in philanthropy, supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, and social development.
1. Aliko Dangote
- Net Worth: $10.7 billion
- Source of Wealth: Cement, sugar, flour, oil
- Date of Birth: April 10, 1957
- Age: 64
- State of Origin: Kano State
- Education: Business studies at Al-Azhar University, Egypt; Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies and Administration from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
Aliko Dangote is not only the richest entrepreneur in Nigeria but also the richest person in Africa. He is the founder and chairman of Dangote Group, a conglomerate that operates in various sectors including cement, sugar, flour, oil, and gas.
Dangote Cement, a subsidiary of Dangote Group, is the largest cement producer in Africa, with operations in several countries. Dangote’s entrepreneurial journey began with a small trading firm, and he gradually expanded his business into manufacturing and industrial sectors. He has played a significant role in the industrialization of Nigeria and has contributed immensely to job creation and economic development.
