Ijaw, Ibibio, Yoruba – List of some wealthiest tribes in Nigeria

In this article, News360 Nigeria enlists 10 most successful tribes in Nigeria.

Nigeria is seen as Africa’s giant because of its enormous people, rich cultural heritage and influential personalities.

The major ethnic groups in Nigeria are the Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, with a few smaller ethnic groups dispersed throughout the nation.

Numerous successful and well-known members of these tribes have established themselves as globally influential individuals.

Nigerian citizens who have achieved fame and fortune on a global scale include Wale Adenuga, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Femi Otedola, Aliko Dangote, and others.

In spite of Nigeria’s diversity of tribes, certain tribes are renowned for producing accomplished individuals who have had a major influence on society when compared to others.

The wealthiest tribes in Nigeria are enumerated below.

1. Yoruba

This tribe is well known for its commerce, education, and rich cultural legacy.

They are predominantly found in States like Osun, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Kwara in Southwestern Nigeria.

A photo demonstrating Yoruba culture

They are not only the wealthiest but also the largest tribe on the African continent.

People in this tribe value education and see it as a means of overcoming poverty.

The tribe has also produced successful individuals who hold high-ranking positions in politics, business, and the corporate sector.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Wale Adenuga, Femi Otedola, Folorunsho Alakija, Jimoh Ibrahim, Tunde Folawiyo, and Oba Otudeko are among the most well-known Yoruba people.

2. Igbo

The Igbo people are well-known for their inventiveness, industry, and spirit of entrepreneurship.

They can be found in southeastern states like Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.

A photo displaying the Igbo culture

They boast of thousands of incredibly wealthy and powerful people and are recognized as business tycoons.

This tribe is renowned for its ability to conduct business and amass enormous wealth.

This tribe is home to a number of accomplished individuals, including Tony Elumelu, Cletus Ibeto, Orji Uzor Kalu, Stella Oduah, Cosmos MadukaDiezani Alison-madueke, Arthur Eze, and Allen Onyema.

3. Hausa

This tribe is well-known for its trade, agriculture, and political clout.

The largest ethnic group in Nigeria is the Hausa tribe, who are well-known for their agricultural skills.

A photo used to represent culture of the Hausa people

They can be found in a number of states, including Bauchi, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe Borno, Gombe, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kano.

Well known personalities here includes Aliku Dangote, Alhaji Dantata, Abdul Rabiu Samad etc.

4. Edo

The Edo tribe is well-known for its rich history, art, and craftsmanship, and it is one of Nigeria’s most successful tribes due to its natural resources and notable personalities.

Edo culture in picture

They are thought to be descended from the ancient Benin Empire, one of West Africa’s oldest and most advanced nations, based primarily in Edo state.

They are naturally endowed with gold, ivory, and bronze, which makes them excellent artists and sculptors.

Notable members of this tribe include Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Mitchell Elegbe, and Adams Oshiomole, among others.

5. Fulani

The Fulani people are similar to the Hausa and Yoruba.

Photo representation of the Fulani people

They are found on the same states as the Hausa people and throughout the continent.

They are mostly herdsmen and farmers but in recent years, natives of this tribe have risen to be well placed in business and politics.

6. Ijaw

The Ijaw people have a well-established reputation for working in the oil and gas sector.

They are primarily located in the nation’s South-South region, specifically in the oil-producing states of Delta and Bayelsa.

Ijaw tribe culture illustrated in photo

They are also found in Rivers, Edo, Akwa-Ibom, and Ondo State.

The former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is one Ijaw native who made history.

7. Ibibio

The Ibibios are renowned for their vibrant culture, cuisine, tourism, and craftsmanship.

The Ibibio tribe numbers approximately 4.5 million people in Nigeria, with the majority of them residing in the country’s South-South region, specifically Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

A group of Ibibio girls dancing

They are mostly Christians, with an ancient heritage and diverse cultural traditions.

They are well-known for their intricate wooden masks and artistic sculptures, as well as their palm plantations, the oils and kernels of which are exported to other countries.

Godswill Akpabio, Jeddy Agba, and others are well-known members of this tribe.

8. Kanuri

The Kanuris are renowned for their leadership qualities and military prowess.

They settle in the northeastern states of Borno, Niger, Yobe State and speak the Kanuri language.

Pictorial illustration of Kanuri traditions

They are mostly Muslims and have a rich culture and tradition.

With notable and wealthy members like Mohammed Indimi, Yahaya Adamu, Ibrahim Abacha, Daniel k. Daniel, Tukur Buratai, Mohammed Daggash, and Zaynab Alkali, Kanuri has secured its place as one of the most successful tribes in Nigeria.

9. Tiv

This tribe is known for their agricultural practices and farming.

They make up about 2.4 percent of the population of Nigeria and dominate states like Benue State, Nassarawa, Plateau, Taraba and Cross River.

A group of TIV dancers

Some renowned people here includes Barnabas Iyorhyer, Betty Abah, Benson Abounu, Jerry Agada, George Akume, Moses Adasu amongst others.

10. Itsekiri

This tribe is known for their involvement in the oil and gas industry.

They are mainly found in Delta, Edo and Ondo State numbering about 2.7 million people.

Pictorial representation of Itsekiri culture and traditions

The area is a key centre of Nigeria’s crude oil and natural gas production and petroleum refining and the main town Warri which is a multi-ethnic metropolis forms the industrial and commercial nucleus of the region.

Among this tribe’s well-known individuals are Eyimofe Atake, Florence Omagbemi, Grace Alele-Williams, and others.