Meet 11 richest Nigerian Governors in 2024

This article coined by News360 examines the top ten wealthiest governors in Nigeria as of 2024.

Nigeria is renowned for producing successful individuals who rise to various public offices and positions throughout the 36 states that make up the nation.

Governors, tasked with leading a state’s affairs, are among these individuals.

While some of these governors use their positions of power to further their own and their close allies’ financial gain at the expense of the general populace, others have already amassed significant wealth for themselves through businesses and investments before pursuing political office.

Even though all of Nigeria’s state governors are powerful and wealthy,  this article will examine the wealthiest and most powerful governors in the country as well as their sources of wealth and net worth as of 2024.

1.Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke ($450 million)

Governor of Osun State Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke tops this list as the richest Governor in Nigeria

He is the uncle of popular Musician, Davido and has an estimated net worth of $450 million.

He has served as a senator of Osun-West senatorial district from 2017-2019 and hails from the renowned Adeleke family in Osun state.

Gov. Adeleke has also was a contractor for Quicksilver Courier Company in Atlanta, Georgia, US, from 1985 to 1989, vice President of Origin International LLC, a US company that manufactures flavors and fragrances, in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1990 to 1994 and executive director of Guinness Nigeria Plc from 1992 to 1999.

2. Dapo Abiodun ($314 million)

With a net worth of $314 million, Dapo Abiodun, the governor of Ogun State comes next in this list as the richest governor in Nigeria.

In addition to being the owner of First Power Ltd., he was the board chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission and the managing director of Heyden Petroleum.

He was born in Ogun State on May 1st, 1960, and graduated from Obafemi Awolowo University.

3. Godwin Obaseki ($225 Million)

Governor Obaseki of Edo State is another  wealthy governor in Nigeria, with a net worth of $225 million.

Prior to his political position, he had a successful career in investment banking, securities trading, and asset management.

He previously worked for Capital Trust Brokers Limited in Lagos, International Merchant Bank (a subsidiary of First Chicago Bank), AVC Funds Limited in Lagos, and Equitorial Finance Company in New York.

He was born on July 1, 1957 and attended the University of Ibadan.

4. Seyi Makinde ($126 Million)

Oluwaseyi Makinde, the current governor of Oyo State, is ranked fourth on this list with a net worth of $216 million.

His wealth can be attributed to his current political standing and his previous role as managing director of Makon Group Ltd.

He was born on December 25, 1967, and attended the University of Lagos to earn his engineering degree.

5. Bala Mohammed ($20 Million)

Bala Mohammed, the governor of Bauchi State, is the next person on this list with a $20 million net worth.

He was born on October 5, 1958, and graduated from the University of Maiduguri with a degree in English.

He held positions as a senator for the Federal Republic, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and employee of various government parastatals.

6. Hope Uzodinma

With a $12 million net worth, Imo State governor Hope Uzodinma is ranked sixth on this list.

He served as CEO of Transurb Technical Consult Ltd. and as a former Federal Republic senator.

Born on December 12, 1958, he attended the University of Nsukka and graduated in 1958.

7. Chukwuma Soludo ($10 Million)

With a $10 million net worth, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo ranks seventh on this list.

He is a successful professor, banker, and economist. He served as the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) chairman of the board of directors and as a former governor.

He graduated from the University of Cambridge and was born on July 28, 1960.

8. Douye Diri ($10 million)

With a $10 million net worth, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri is next.

Born on June 4, 1959, he is a businessman and politician. He held positions as Principal Executive Secretary, Deputy Chief of Staff at Government House, and Senator of the Federal Republic in the past.

He graduated from the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State with a degree in Political Science.

9. Peter Mbah ($10 Million)

Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, was born on March 17, 1972, in Enugu, Nigeria. He has a net worth of $10 million.

He established Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd. and serves as its CEO.

He is a member of numerous esteemed organizations, such as the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and the Nigerian Bar Association, and a Fellow of the Certified Institute of Public Administration and Management (CIPM).

10. Babajide Sanwo-Olu ($9 Million)

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has made a name for himself among Nigeria’s elite with a $9 million net worth.

He has held positions as First City Monument Bank Chairman of Baywatch Group Limited and First Class Group Limited, Commissioner Establishments, Training, and Pensions of Lagos State, and manager at First Inland Bank, Plc.

11. Alex Otti ($6 million)

With a net worth of $6 million, Abia State Governor Alex Otti comes in at the eleventh spot.

He was the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank Plc before becoming an economist, banker, investor, and politician.

He was born on February 18, 1965, and he attended the University of Lagos before graduating.