Nigerian politicians have gathered a lot of wealth, with many of them becoming billionaires. This is also true for governors in Nigeria, who are among the richest politicians in the country. If you're curious about the richest governors in Nigeria, I will provide you with information on the top 10 richest governors in this article.
Top 10 Richest Governors in Nigeria
1. Governor Dapo Abiodun:
Estimated net worth: $314 million
With an estimated net worth of $314 million, Governor Dapo Abiodun is currently serving as the governor of Ogun State since 2019. Prior to his governorship, he held prominent positions such as the Board Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission and the managing director of Heyden Petroleum. Additionally, he is the founder of First Power Limited and has made significant investments in the oil and gas industry.
2. Governor Godwin Obaseki:
Estimated net worth: $225 million
Governor Godwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State, is reported to have a net worth of $225 million, placing him among Nigeria's wealthiest politicians. He obtained a bachelor's degree in classical art from the renowned University of Ibadan in Oyo State. Furthermore, he has attended Pace University and the University of Columbia in the United States. Governor Obaseki has investments in various crucial sectors of the economy. It is worth noting that he was previously a member of the APC before joining the PDP for his second term.
3. Governor Seyi Makinde
Estimated net worth: $126 million
Seyi Makinde's substantial wealth was already well-known even before he became the governor of Oyo state.
Born on December 25, 1967, Seyi is an accomplished engineer and a dedicated member of the PDP. He pursued his studies in electrical engineering at the University of Lagos before venturing abroad to further his education.
4. Governor Bala Mohammed
Estimated net worth: $50 million
Following suit is Governor Bala Mohammed, the incumbent governor of Bauchi State. He ranks among the most richest governors in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $50 million.
Bala, who obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Maiduguri, had already achieved considerable success prior to assuming the role of a Governor. He actively participates in the PDP and previously served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
5. Charles Chukwuma Soludo:
Charles Chukwuma Soludo, a prominent figure in Nigerian politics and economics, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. Since March 2022, he has held the esteemed position of governor of Anambra State.
Soludo's impressive career spans across various sectors, including politics, banking, and education. Notably, he served as the chairman of the board of directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria and was appointed governor of the bank on May 29, 2004.
Soludo's expertise extends beyond Nigeria's borders. He has contributed to the international community as a visiting professor at Swarthmore College in the United States. Additionally, he has held positions at prestigious institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, the University of Warwick, the University of Cambridge, the Brookings Institution, and the University of Oxford.
His vast knowledge and experience have made him a sought-after consultant for renowned international organizations like the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
Prior to his role as governor of the Central Bank, Soludo served as President Olusegun Obasanjo's chief economic adviser. He also held the position of Chief Executive of the National Planning Commission of Nigeria.
Recognizing his expertise, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Soludo to the eight-member Economic Advisory Council (EAC) on September 16, 2019. This council plays a crucial role in advising the President on matters pertaining to national economic policy.
Charles Chukwuma Soludo's impressive career trajectory and contributions to both national and international economic development highlight his significant impact in the field of politics, banking, and academia.
7. Douye Diri:
Douye Diri, a Nigerian politician, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. He has been serving as the governor of Bayelsa State since 2020, after previously holding the position of senator in the 9th National Assembly, representing the Bayelsa Central Senatorial District. Douye pursued his education at the College of Education in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, where he obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1985.
He furthered his studies at the University of Port-Harcourt and graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in political science. In the 2019 Bayelsa State gubernatorial election, the Supreme Court of Nigeria invalidated the results due to the submission of a confidential certificate by David Lyon, Diri's running mate. As a result, the court ordered Diri to be granted a certificate of return, officially making him the governor of Bayelsa State. He assumed office on February 14, 2020.
7. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah:
Estimated net worth:$10 million
Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, born on March 17, 1972, is a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, finance, and law. With an estimated net worth of $10 million, he has made significant contributions to various sectors throughout his career.
Currently serving as the governor of Enugu State since May 29, 2023, Mbah is known for his expertise as a financial analyst and a lawyer. He is a member of prestigious organizations such as the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, and the Certified Institute of Public Administration and Management (CIPM).
In 1992, Mbah ventured into entrepreneurship and established his own business, Peter Mbah Investments Limited, which specializes in providing services to the oil and gas industry. Additionally, he is the visionary behind the renowned FOCUS International Schools in Lagos State and the importer of general products through GILPEL Industries Ltd. from 1993 to 1997.
Mbah's entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd., where he currently serves as the CEO. Under his leadership, the company successfully developed Single Point Monitoring (SPM), Conventional Buoy Mooring (CBM), and storage facilities in the Lekki Free Trade Zone in 2021.
Throughout his career, Mbah has held several notable positions in government. In 2003, he was appointed as Chief of Staff by Governor Chimaroke Nnamani. He later served as Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, contributing to the growth and development of Enugu State. Mbah's involvement extended to various councils and boards, including the State Security Council, the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee, the Enugu State Executive Council, the Enugu State Insurance Company, the Enugu State Finance and Investment Company, and the Enugu State Tenders' Board.
Furthermore, Mbah played a crucial role as the Chairman of the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee's Sub-Committee on Legal Matters. His dedication and leadership qualities were recognized when he emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party's candidate for governor of Enugu State after the primary election held in Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on May 25, 2022, ahead of Nigeria's 2023 general elections.
Driven by his passion for community development, Mbah established the Peter Mbah Foundation (PMF), a non-profit and non-political organization. The foundation aims to uplift the living standards of rural communities and foster the development of human capital.
8. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu:
Estimated net worth: $9 million
Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, born on June 25, 1965, is a politician who has been serving as the governor of Lagos State since 2019. He achieved an unexpected victory over the incumbent governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, in the October 2018 APC gubernatorial primary. Sanwo-Olu, affiliated with the All Progressives Congress, holds degrees from prestigious institutions such as the John F. Kennedy School of Government, the London Business School, the University of Lagos, and the Lagos Business School. Prior to his political career, he served as the managing director and CEO of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation (LSPDC). With an estimated net worth of $9 million, Sanwo-Olu has successfully pursued his aspiration of becoming the governor of Lagos State.
9. Alex Otti:
Estimated net worth: $5 million
Alex Otti, born on February 18, 1965, is a multi-faceted individual who currently serves as the governor of Abia State. Alongside his political career, Otti is recognized as a banker, investor, philanthropist, and economist. He previously held the position of Group Managing Director at Diamond Bank Plc.
Otti contested for the governorship of Abia State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and emerged victorious in the state's April 11 and April 25 governorship elections, following the Court of Appeal's decision in December 2015. However, the Nigerian Supreme Court later upheld the election of Okezie Ikpeazu as governor, overturning the Court of Appeal's ruling. Otti contributes to Thisday with his column titled "Outside The Box" and serves as a member of the editorial board. With an estimated net worth of $5 million, Otti has made significant contributions in various fields throughout his career.
10. Hope Odidika Uzodimma:
Estimated net worth: $5 million
Hope Odidika Uzodimma born on December 12, 1958, is a politician and the current governor of Imo State. With an estimated net worth of $5 million, Uzodimma has had a successful career in both business and politics. In 2020, he became the governor of Imo State after the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled in his favor.
Uzodimma's political journey began during the Second Nigerian Republic when he joined the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) and served as the youth leader for Imo State in 1983. He played a significant role in the United Nigeria Congress Party during the transition to the Third Nigerian Republic in the 1990s.
In 1999, after the restoration of democracy, Uzodimma joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He held various positions within the party, including the National Caucus, National Executive Committee, and Board of Trustees, from 1999 to 2017.
On June 6, 2011, Uzodimma was sworn in as a senator representing Imo State's Imo West Senatorial District. He was re-elected for a second term in the 2015 election. In 2018, he joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) and left the PDP to run for governor of Imo State in the 2019 gubernatorial elections.
Conclusion
These are the richest governors in Nigeria. Please, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.