When one is talking about wealthy people in Nigeria, the first category of persons that comes to the mind are the politicians, and the reason for this is not far-fetched. However, “there are rich politicians and there are richer politicians”- if you know what I mean. In simpler words, some politicians are way richer than others. So if your search is to get to know the richest politicians in Nigeria, you are in the right spot, as I am going to list the top 10 richest Politicians in Nigeria and what makes them so (their net worth).
Top 10 richest politicians in Nigeria
Here are the top 10 richest politicians in Nigeria:
1. Atiku Abubakar
Atiku is one of the richest persons in Nigeria. And among the politicians, he is one of the wealthiest – arguably the richest. Atiku is popular for his vice-presidency position under President Olusegun Obasanjo who served two terms in office (1999 – 2007). He was also a presidential candidate in the February 2019 election, which he lost to the re-elected President Muhammadu Buhari.
Atiku Abubakar is also known for his business prowess, he has a logistics company and a huge interest in the American University of Nigeria (AUN) which he founded in 2015. Estimates show that Atiku Abubakar is currently worth $7 billion.
2. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB)
Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida also known as IBB is one of the notable rich politicians in Nigeria. His riches are so evident that he is ranked 1st among the richest politicians in many quarters. IBB served as president of the country during the military regime. He is also popular for having annulled one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria – the June 12/1991 election that favoured MKO Abiola. Maybe he saved up his money while in power, who knows, however, his net worth is estimated to be about $5 billion.
3. Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusegun Obasanjo popularly known as OBJ or “Baba Iyabo” – was born on the 5th of May 1935. He is a PhD holder who also served as Army general during the military regime. He also became the president of Nigeria in 1999 where he served two terms. OBJ has a big farm in Ota Ogun State. He has investments in several businesses, especially in the oil sector both in within and outside the country. Obasanjo is ranked as one of the top most influential Nigerians in the world, and his net worth is valued at $1.6 billion.
4. Ifeanyi Ubah
This man brought money into politics, he did not just start getting rich when he joined. Ifeanyi Ubah was said to have made his first million when he was just 19. Ifeanyi was born in the eastern part of Nigeria – Anambra state, he is said to have made his money from export businesses such as spare parts and the likes. He is also into oil and gas, real estate, transports, and even sport. As a matter of fact, he has a football club named after him – such a versatile man. His net worth is around $1.7 billion.
5. Bola Ahmed Tinubu
If you have been hearing the name “Jagaban” everywhere, this is the man. He is one of the most influential politicians in Nigeria. He is notable for his “Godfatherism” especially in the APC – the leading political party in Nigeria as at 2019. Tinubu was a former governor of Lagos state and was believed to have made most of his money from politics. His net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion. What a big man!
6. Rochas Okorocha
Rochas hails from Imo state – an Igbo land. He was born on the 22 of September 1962. This man is adjudged to be one of the richest politicians in Nigeria. He is also one of those politicians that were said to have always had their riches before going into politics. Rochas has an investment in several businesses. He also served as two terms governor of Imo state. His net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 billion.
7. Orji Uzor Kalu
Kalu got his money from businesses and politics. He was a former governor of Abia state. He served as the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Progressive Peoples Alliance, he was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Kalu contested as a presidential candidate of the PDP in 2007. He, however, later decamped from the PDP to join the APC.
His net worth is estimated to be around $1.1billion.
8. Dino Melaye
Dino is one of the most influential politicians under the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party. He is one of the richest politicians in Nigeria and not shy to show it off. He uploads several videos and images of himself and his exotic cars online – he is a car freak. Dino is currently serving another term as a senator in the district of Kogi west. He is also popular for his outspokenness – also his unsupportive attitude towards president Buhari’s regime. His net worth is valued at $800 million.
9. Rotimi Amaechi
Rotimi Chibuke Amaechi was a former governor of Rivers State and a vibrant member of the APC political party. He has a very good relationship with the Buhari administration, and as a matter of fact, he is currently serving as the minister of transportation. His net worth is estimated to be around $780 million.
10. Ben Murray Bruce
Mere looking at this man shows that he is strikingly rich. He is a businessman as well as a vibrant politician. Ben is the founder of the popular Silverbird Group of Nigeria. He is also currently serving as a senator in Bayelsa state. Mr Ben is a social media facilitator; he is usually referred to as the “twitter senator”. He is also an active organizer of the annual beauty contest event called the MBGN (Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria).
Conclusion
“Politics” is one of the most lucrative “businesses” in Nigeria as we speak, this is why you will see several people risking all their life earnings into it.
