Akwa Ibom State Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In 2024

Akwa Ibom State, located in the southern region of Nigeria, is not only known for its rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty but also for producing some of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals. These billionaires have accumulated significant wealth through diverse industries such as oil and gas, politics, real estate, telecommunications, and more. This blog post explores the top 10 richest men from Akwa Ibom State in 2024, their business ventures, and how they have made an impact both locally and globally.

1. Bassey Nkanga

Bassey Nkanga is one of the wealthiest men from Akwa Ibom, with a fortune built from his involvement in the oil and gas sector. He is the CEO of Nkanga Oil and Gas, a company that has grown tremendously due to Nigeria’s reliance on oil exports. His deep connections within the Nigerian political and economic spheres have allowed his business to flourish, making him a billionaire and a key figure in Akwa Ibom’s economic landscape.

Nkanga’s philanthropic efforts, particularly in youth empowerment and education, have also earned him respect in the region. His foundation works on providing scholarships for young people and funding educational initiatives across Akwa Ibom State.

2. Obong Victor Attah

Victor Attah is a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and one of the wealthiest men in the state. He played a key role in the development of Akwa Ibom’s infrastructure, but his wealth primarily comes from his business ventures in construction and real estate. His companies have handled numerous high-profile projects, including the construction of several government buildings and residential estates.

Attah remains influential in the political scene and is involved in various philanthropic initiatives focused on improving healthcare and education in the state.

3. Senator Godswill Akpabio

Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and a prominent political figure in Nigeria, has amassed considerable wealth from his political career and investments. During his tenure as governor, Akwa Ibom witnessed massive infrastructural development, which earned him the nickname "Uncommon Transformer." His wealth is not only tied to politics but also to business ventures, including investments in oil and telecommunications.

Akpabio continues to be a major political force in Nigeria, and his influence extends far beyond Akwa Ibom State. His wealth has enabled him to make substantial contributions to charitable causes, particularly in education and healthcare.

4. Obong Udom Inoyo

Udom Inoyo, the former Executive Vice President of ExxonMobil, is another prominent billionaire from Akwa Ibom State. His successful career in the oil and gas industry has made him one of the wealthiest individuals in the state. Inoyo’s leadership and expertise helped ExxonMobil solidify its position as a leading oil company in Nigeria.

Aside from his career in oil, Inoyo is deeply committed to social causes, particularly in education and mentorship. His foundation focuses on improving educational standards in Akwa Ibom by providing scholarships and training for teachers.

5. Aniefiok Udoabasi

Aniefiok Udoabasi is a telecommunications magnate and one of Akwa Ibom’s richest men. His company, Udoabasi Telecoms, is a major player in the Nigerian telecommunications industry, offering a range of services, including mobile and internet services. Udoabasi’s vision has helped the company expand beyond Akwa Ibom, making it a national force in the telecom sector.

His wealth also extends to real estate and banking, where he holds substantial investments. Udoabasi is known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the area of rural electrification and providing access to clean water in underdeveloped communities in Akwa Ibom.

6. Sam Edoho

Sam Edoho is the founder and CEO of Edoho Group, a conglomerate with interests in real estate, agriculture, and manufacturing. His ability to identify emerging market opportunities has made him one of the most successful businessmen in Akwa Ibom. Edoho's real estate projects, including residential estates and commercial buildings, are some of the most sought-after properties in the region.

Edoho is also passionate about giving back to the community. His foundation provides micro-loans to small business owners in Akwa Ibom, helping them grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

7. Nsima Ekere

Nsima Ekere is a former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and a wealthy businessman from Akwa Ibom. His wealth comes from his investments in oil, real estate, and construction. As a key player in the oil and gas sector, Ekere’s business dealings have earned him significant wealth, positioning him among the richest in the state.

Ekere is also a notable political figure, having run for governor of Akwa Ibom. His influence in both politics and business has made him a formidable force in the state, with ongoing contributions to development projects and philanthropy.

8. Chris Ekpenyong

Chris Ekpenyong, a former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, is a businessman with vast interests in construction and oil and gas. He is the founder of Ekpenyong Ventures, a company involved in the building of residential and commercial properties across Nigeria. His investments in oil have also yielded significant returns, boosting his net worth.

Ekpenyong is involved in community service and has initiated several programs aimed at improving the lives of the underprivileged in Akwa Ibom, particularly in the areas of healthcare and education.

9. Emem Ekpenyong

Emem Ekpenyong is another wealthy businessman from Akwa Ibom with vast investments in agriculture and transportation. His company, Ekpenyong Farms, is one of the largest agricultural producers in the state, specializing in palm oil, cassava, and cocoa production. The company also exports agricultural products to international markets.

Ekpenyong has invested heavily in the transportation sector, owning a fleet of buses and trucks that operate across Nigeria. His wealth and business acumen have made him a respected figure in Akwa Ibom, where he is actively involved in youth empowerment initiatives.

10. Udo Udom Emmanuel

Udom Emmanuel, the current governor of Akwa Ibom State, is also one of the wealthiest men in the region. His wealth comes from his successful career in banking before entering politics. Emmanuel was an executive director at Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest banks, where he accumulated significant wealth. His investments in banking and real estate have continued to grow even during his time in public office.

As governor, Emmanuel has focused on diversifying the state’s economy by promoting industrialization and improving infrastructure. His wealth and leadership have contributed significantly to Akwa Ibom’s economic development.

Conclusion

Akwa Ibom State is home to some of Nigeria’s wealthiest and most influential individuals, many of whom have amassed their fortunes through a combination of business acumen, strategic investments, and political influence. From oil and gas magnates to telecommunications giants and real estate developers, these billionaires are not only shaping the economy of Akwa Ibom but also leaving a lasting impact on the nation as a whole.

These billionaires continue to invest in the development of Akwa Ibom State, providing jobs, infrastructure, and philanthropic efforts aimed at improving the standard of living for the people. Their contributions to various sectors ensure that the state remains a key player in Nigeria's economic growth.