Nigeria is home to some of Africa's richest people, thanks to its booming industries like oil, telecoms, and manufacturing. Here's a detailed look at the top 10 richest Nigerians in 2026, their net worth, and what makes them stand out.
Interested? Read Top 10 Richest People in Africa in 2026
The founder and chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote remains not only the richest man in Nigeria but also in Africa.
His business empire spans cement production, sugar, and salt manufacturing, making Dangote Group a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. Dangote's net worth slightly dipped from $14.2 billion in 2023 but continues to lead the pack.
Adenuga is the founder of Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator, and has investments in oil exploration through Conoil. With a significant presence in West Africa, Adenuga's fortune grew in 2026, solidifying his position among Africa's wealthiest.
Rabiu heads the BUA Group, a major player in cement production, agriculture, and infrastructure. Despite a drop from $8.2 billion in 2023, his investments continue to drive significant revenues.
Net Worth: $2.3 billion
Sector: Infrastructure, Private Equity
If you have been a fan of global finance or power moves made by Africans on the world stage, then Adebayo Ogunlesi a name you might have heard.
Born in Nigeria, Ogunlesi carved out a serious lane for himself in the high-stakes world of investment banking and private equity. He’s the co-founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a firm that managed a jaw-dropping $100 billion before it was snapped up by BlackRock in a $12.5 billion deal in 2024. Big moves.
Under his leadership, GIP didn’t just play it safe. They went all in—buying up major airports like London Gatwick, London City, and Edinburgh. And they didn’t stop there. Ogunlesi led investments into ADNOC Gas Pipelines, Tower Vision in India, and Atlas Renewable Energy. Adebayo is definately a strategic investor.
And if that wasn’t enough, he’s also the lead director on the board at Goldman Sachs. That’s not just a title. That’s influence at the very top of global finance.
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Sector: Technology
Tope Awotona bet on himself, with his life savings and it paid off big time.
He poured $200,000 of his own savings into building Calendly, the scheduling app that’s now everywhere. You’ve probably used it to book a meeting without the back-and-forth emails. What started as a simple idea turned into a global tech giant, now valued at $3 billion. Tope still owns the majority of it, which makes up most of his estimated $1.4 billion fortune.
But he didn’t stop there. He’s put money into rising startups like Vonza, a business platform for creators and entrepreneurs, and Givebutter, a fundraising platform that’s helped raise over $300 million so far.
Today, Tope is one of only two Black tech billionaires in the U.S.—a title that comes with weight. And he’s using his platform to push for more diversity in tech, proving that success and impact can go hand in hand.
Known for his ventures in oil, shipping, and power generation, Otedola is the executive chairman of Geregu Power Plc. His strategic investments, especially in the power sector, have brought him back to the billionaire list.
Net Worth: $1 billion
Sector: Oil, Fashion, Real Estate
Folorunso Alakija is the richest woman in nigeria in 2026. She comes at no. 7 richest person in the country and the only woman in this top 10 list. Alakija didn’t just break barriers—she built entire empires across fashion, oil, real estate, and philanthropy.
She started out designing clothes for Nigeria’s elite with her fashion label, Supreme Stitches (now Rose of Sharon Fashion House). But fashion was just the beginning. She made her biggest move when she stepped into oil exploration, founding Famfa Oil. The company owns a major stake in the Agbami Oilfield, working alongside Chevron, and it's the foundation of her billion-dollar fortune.
Beyond oil, she runs Dayspring Property Development, which owns some of Lagos’s most luxurious buildings—like Famfa Towers and the Rose of Sharon Tower.
But Alakija’s story isn’t just about wealth. She’s big on giving back. Through the Rose of Sharon Foundation, she supports widows and orphans. And with Flourish Africa, she’s helping female entrepreneurs find their voice, funding, and footing in business.
She’s proof that you can build wealth and still lead with heart.
An investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Elumelu rose to prominence in banking and now leads Heirs Holdings. His foundation empowers African entrepreneurs, making him a symbol of impactful wealth.
Net Worth: $550 million
Sector: Banking and Real Estate
Jim Ovia is one of those quiet power players who helped shape modern banking in Nigeria.
He’s the founder of Zenith Bank, now one of the biggest financial institutions in the country. And he didn’t just start it—he still owns the biggest slice, holding a 16.2% stake. That’s serious staying power.
But Ovia’s influence goes beyond banking. He’s made big moves in real estate, owning premium properties across Nigeria. And back in the day, he also ran Visafone, a mobile telecom company that MTN eventually acquired in 2016.
He’s also big on giving back. Through the Jim Ovia Foundation, he funds scholarships and supports financial inclusion projects—helping more Nigerians access education and economic opportunities.
In short, Ovia’s not just building wealth, he’s building impact.
Net Worth: $500 million
Sector: Oil & Gas
Mohammed Indimi’s story is proof that formal education isn’t the only path to success.
He founded Oriental Energy Resources, an oil exploration and production company that now runs three offshore projects in the Niger Delta. What makes it even more impressive? He built it all with little formal schooling—just grit, vision, and sharp business instincts.
But Indimi isn’t just about oil and profits. He’s also deeply committed to giving back. Through his foundation, he’s focused on tackling poverty and improving access to education, especially in northern Nigeria where the need is greatest.
It’s the kind of legacy that goes beyond business—one that lifts communities and opens doors for others.
I’m Clinton Wamalwa Wanjala, a financial writer and certified financial consultant passionate about empowering the youth with practical financial knowledge. As the founder of Fineducke.com, I provide accessible guidance on personal finance, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities.
nice article
I'm happy for the richest man,s'in Nigeria