Nigeria, branded the “Giant of Africa,” has a robust economy that has produced a large number of rich individuals and families. Over the years, these families have made important contributions to the nation’s economic environment and expansion. As we progress through this blog article, we will look at the top ten wealthiest families in Nigeria today, discussing their corporate empires and sources of great income. Let us proceed without further ado.
10 Richest Families In Nigeria
In no particular order, the following are the top ten richest and wealthiest families in Nigeria:
1. Dantata And Dangote Family
Alhassan Dantata, a trader who dealt in kola nuts, crushed nuts, and other endeavors, is credited with starting the Dantata Family, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest families today. Alhassan Dantata was once one of West Africa’s wealthiest persons. Members of his family include Aliko Dangote, his great-grandson and the richest black billionaire in the world according to Forbes, Ahmadu Dantata, his son and a politician, Alhaji Mudi Dantata, his son and a successful businessman, Alhaji Abdulkadir Dantata, his grandson, Aminu Dantata, his son and a politician, Mamuda Dantata, the founder of the West African Pilgrims Association and a currency trader, and Sanusi Dantata, his son.
Aliko Dangote, patriarch of one of Nigeria’s most well-known families, is the richest man in Nigeria and presently ranks first on the list of the continent’s wealthiest individuals. The Dangote Group, a subsidiary of Aliko Dangote’s economic empire, owns flour, sugar, salt, and cement. In addition to his commercial endeavors, Aliko Dangote is a philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to various charities in Nigeria. The Dangote Foundation, directed by Aliko Dangote’s daughter Halima, has three main goals: health, education, and economic empowerment.
2. Otedola Family
Another wealthy family in Nigeria is the Otedolas, led by Femi Otedola, a millionaire businessman and entrepreneur who is the son of the late Michael Otedola, former governor of Lagos State. Femi Otedola founded Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited, one of Nigeria’s largest oil marketing and trading enterprises. In addition to his commercial endeavors, Femi Otedola is a philanthropist who has donated millions of dollars to various charities in Nigeria. He has three daughters who are also successful. His daughters are Florence Otedola (DJ Cuppy), a successful disc jockey (DJ) and businesswoman, and Temi Otedola, a well-known actress and fashion enthusiast who is currently engaged to Afrobeat singer Mr. Eazi. Tolani, his first child, is successful.
3. Adeleke Family
In Nigeria, the Adeleke family is well-known and wealthy. They are well-known for their commercial ties, philanthropy, and political power, particularly in Osun State, Nigeria’s south-western geopolitical zone. Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the late, was the family patriarch. He was a politician and former governor of Osun State. He founded a number of profitable businesses, including a grocery chain, a car sales and service company, and a construction enterprise. He was also a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the owner of a number of large farms.
Senator Adeleke’s son, Adedeji Adeleke, formed Pacific Holdings Limited and is a successful businessman. The company operates in several industries, including finance, energy, real estate, and hospitality. Adedeji Adeleke is the son of popular Nigerian rapper Davido. Adedeji Adeleke is also interested in schooling. Adeleke University, a private institution of higher learning in Ede, Osun State, is named after him. Ademola Adeleke, the current Governor of Osun State, and B-Red, another well-known Nigerian artist, are also members of the Adeleke family.
4. Adenuga Family
The Adenuga family is another well-known family on the list of Nigeria’s wealthiest families. Mike Adenuga, the family patriarch, is one of Africa’s wealthiest persons, and his company, Globacom, is one of Nigeria’s largest telecoms businesses. In addition to telecommunications, the Adenuga family is involved in banking, real estate, and oil and gas (Conoil). Mike Adenuga is also a philanthropist, having donated millions of dollars to various charities in Nigeria through his charity, the Mike Adenuga charity.
5. Briggs Family
The Briggs family is one of Nigeria’s wealthiest today, with investments worth millions of Naira. The family patriarch, Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs, created Moni Pulo Limited (MPL), a privately held indigenous oil and gas company headquartered in Port Harcourt. MPL manages the OML 114 and operates in compliance with global norms and specifications. Mrs. Seinye Lulu-Briggs, the wife of Chief Lulu-Briggs, is one of Nigeria’s wealthiest businesswomen and the CEO of Rachael Hotels Limited. Lulu Briggs, a lawyer and former Executive Director and COO of MPL, is another well-known member of the Briggs family.
6. Elumelu Family
The Elumelu family, whose patriarch Tony Elumelu is a billionaire businessman and philanthropist, is another well-known family with immense fortune in Nigeria. Tony Elumelu formed Heirs Holdings, an investment corporation with ties to the banking, energy, and agriculture industries. Tony Elumelu, in addition to his commercial endeavors, is a philanthropist who promotes African entrepreneurship and economic progress through his Tony Elumelu Foundation. His wife, Awele Elumelu, is a philanthropist who supports numerous projects in Nigeria.
7. Ibru Family
The Ibru Organization, one of Nigeria’s largest enterprises, is controlled by the Ibru family, one of the country’s wealthiest families. Michael Ibru founded this business in 1956. It is involved in a variety of businesses, including banking, shipping, aviation, oil and gas, and agricultural. The Ibru family includes Olorogun Oskar Ibru, Felix Ibru, Alex Ibru, Oboden Ibru, and Cecilia Ibru. Alex Ibru, a former minister of internal affairs from 1993 to 1995, is the current chairman of Rutam Motors. Cecilia was previously the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Oceanic Bank, which is now part of Ecobank, and Felix Ibru was a former Delta State governor.
8. Igbinedion Family
The patriarch of the Igbinedion Family and the father of former Edo State Governor, Lucky Igbinedion, is Chief Gabriel Igbinedion. He is thought to be worth millions of dollars. The late Oba Akenzua II bestowed the chieftaincy title of Esama of Benin upon him. Gabriel Igbinedion owns an oil refinery, a private university (Igbinedion University), a private broadcast station, a private bank, mines, and hotel chains throughout Nigeria.
9. Okoya-Thomas Family
The chairman of CFAO Nigeria Limited, Prince Molade Okoya-Thomas, was the driving force behind the Okoya-Thomas family’s fortune. Despite his death, he was replaced by his children, who continued to add to the family’s wealth. Princess Olajumoke Abidemi Okoya-Thomas, a prominent member of the family, is a member of Nigeria’s Federal House of Representatives, representing Lagos Island I Federal Constituency.
10. Fajemirokun Family
This family keeps out of the spotlight, yet their money and investments are dispersed across the country. Henry Oloyede Fajemirokun, the family patriarch, was a famous entrepreneur and businessman in the country. The Fajemirokun family’s achievements are well known. Henry Oloyede Fajemirokun supervised the negotiations that led to the establishment of a merchant bank. In addition, he formed Henry Stephen, Nigeria’s first indigenous private oil firm.