When it comes to wealth among Nigerian politicians, state governors sit comfortably near the top. Many of them didn’t just start making money after stepping into office — they were already business tycoons, board members, oil moguls, and seasoned investors before getting into public service.
10 Richest Governors in Nigeria
Let’s walk through a list of ten current governors whose personal fortunes have raised eyebrows — not just because of the figures, but because of how they got there.
1Ogun State’s Dapo Abiodun
If you’re trying to guess who tops the list, look no further than Ogun State’s Governor Dapo Abiodun. He’s been in office since 2019, but long before politics, he made his mark in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
His portfolio includes Heyden Petroleum, where he served as managing director, and he’s also the founder of First Power Limited. He chaired the Corporate Affairs Commission at one point, adding more clout to his résumé. His total wealth is estimated at $314 million, making him the richest sitting governor in Nigeria right now.
2Godwin Obaseki
With a reported net worth of $225 million, Godwin Obaseki of Edo State follows closely. His wealth isn’t just from public office — his financial background runs deep. Before becoming governor, he worked in several sectors that made him his fortune.
He has a classical arts degree from the University of Ibadan and later pursued further studies at Columbia University and Pace University in the U.S. Originally with the APC, he switched to the PDP while seeking a second term. You’ll also find him listed among Nigeria’s wealthiest politicians.
3Seyi Makinde
Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, declared his assets before taking office — and it raised a lot of eyebrows. Worth around $126 million, he’s always been upfront about how much he owns.
An engineer by profession, he studied electrical engineering at the University of Lagos and expanded his education abroad. His career, investments, and business acumen were firmly in place well before politics came into the picture.
4Bala Mohammed
Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, holds an estimated fortune of $50 million. He started his academic journey with a degree in English from the University of Maiduguri before diving into politics.
Before becoming governor, he served as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and was already a high-ranking figure in the PDP. His political relevance and financial success didn’t just begin with his governorship.
5Charles Soludo
Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the economist turned politician, has been the governor of Anambra State since 2022. With a net worth of $10 million, Soludo might not top the chart, but his influence is hard to ignore.
He previously served as the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and worked closely with various global institutions including the IMF, World Bank, and Oxford University. He was also part of Buhari’s Economic Advisory Council, making him a key voice in Nigeria’s financial planning before taking a political role.
6Douye Diri
Douye Diri has been leading Bayelsa State since February 2020, following a Supreme Court judgment that changed the outcome of the state’s 2019 gubernatorial election. His estimated net worth stands at $10 million.
His academic background includes a National Certificate in Education from Port Harcourt and a political science degree from the University of Port Harcourt. Before becoming governor, he represented Bayelsa Central in the Senate.
7Peter Mbah
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State has a diversified portfolio. With a background in marine law and finance, he runs Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd and started Peter Mbah Investments Limited back in 1992.
He also founded Focus International Schools and GILPEL Industries, and has served in several state roles including Commissioner for Finance. With a net worth of $10 million, his entry into politics came after years of running successful ventures in both oil and education.
8Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Since 2019, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been the face of Lagos State. Worth an estimated $9 million, he began as the managing director of the Lagos State Property Development Corporation before stepping into the political spotlight.
His educational trail includes the University of Lagos, Lagos Business School, and further executive programs abroad. After defeating an incumbent in the APC primaries, he eventually emerged as the governor of Nigeria’s most economically significant state.
9Alex Otti
Before his political victory in Abia State, Alex Otti was very much known in Nigeria’s banking circles. He previously held the role of Group Managing Director at Diamond Bank, and his net worth is pegged at $5 million.
Although a court victory in 2015 briefly made him governor, the Supreme Court overturned that ruling. Years later, he returned successfully through the All Progressives Grand Alliance and now leads Abia with a blend of financial experience and grassroots appeal.
10Hope Uzodimma
Imo State’s Hope Uzodimma has had a long-standing presence in Nigerian politics. He entered the spotlight during the Second Republic and has switched parties multiple times. Today, he’s estimated to be worth about $5 million.
He became governor in 2020 following a Supreme Court ruling and previously served in the Senate. Long before his political appointments, he was already known in business circles and had been part of different advisory and leadership committees under the PDP and the APC.
Article updated 10 seconds ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
