- Nigeria’s wealthiest moguls are climbing higher on the global billionaire rankings, their fortunes defying economic turbulence.
- At the helm stands Aliko Dangote, commanding the highest net worth, a testament to his enduring dominance.
- Following closely are business titans Mike Adenuga, Abdul Samad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola, each solidifying their positions in the billionaire hierarchy.
Nigeria’s billionaire elite has witnessed a staggering surge in wealth, with their combined net worth soaring to $37.1 billion as of Thursday, March 13, 2025.
This marks a dramatic 32.9% increase from the $24.9 billion recorded just a month ago, proving once again that wealth, when strategically positioned, defies even economic turbulence.
Dangote: The King Reclaims His Throne
At the helm of this financial empire stands Aliko Dangote, not just Nigeria’s richest man but Africa’s undisputed financial titan. His $23.8 billion net worth represents an extraordinary leap from $11.7 billion last month, catapulting him from 209th to 83rd place in the global billionaire rankings.
Now among the world’s top 100 billionaires, Dangote’s resurgence is powered by the full-scale operations of his $19 billion Lekki-based refinery, a move that has solidified his grip on Africa’s economic landscape.
Adenuga: Unshaken But Slipping
Despite no changes in his $6.8 billion fortune, Mike Adenuga has slid from 476th to 487th place in global rankings.
A telecom and oil magnate, Adenuga’s Globacom remains Nigeria’s second-largest network, commanding over 60 million subscribers.
Rabiu: The Silent Climber
Abdulsamad Rabiu, the third richest man in Nigeria, has seen his fortune tick upwards from $4.7 billion to $5 billion.
His empire, BUA Group, thrives in cement, sugar, and real estate, ensuring his slow but steady ascent. He now sits at 673rd place globally, rising from 720th last month.
Otedola: A Slippery Slope
While his peers climb, Femi Otedola finds himself grappling with a financial downturn. Once worth $1.7 billion in February, his fortune has shrunk to $1.5 billion, marking a $300 million loss in just 30 days.
The First Bank chairman has slipped from 1,981st to 2,172nd place.