Sokoto State, known as the “Seat of the Caliphate,” is not only revered for its religious and cultural heritage but also boasts some of the wealthiest individuals in northern Nigeria. From influential politicians to savvy businessmen and top-tier professionals, the state is home to men who have accumulated significant wealth through various ventures.
In this blog post, we present a comprehensive list of the 10 richest men in Sokoto State as of 2025. Each of these individuals is a native son of Sokoto and has made outstanding contributions to the socio-economic development of the state and beyond.
1. Alhaji Dahiru Mangal
Net Worth (Estimated): Over $800 million
Industry: Aviation, Oil & Gas, Logistics
Though originally associated with Katsina, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal has deep ancestral roots and family ties in Sokoto State. A business tycoon and founder of Max Air, Mangal also has significant investments in construction, oil and gas, and agriculture. His company is among the largest employers in northern Nigeria, and he is known for extensive philanthropy across Sokoto and neighboring states.
2. Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko
Net Worth (Estimated): $300 million
Industry: Politics, Real Estate, Agriculture
Former Governor of Sokoto State and current Senator representing Sokoto North, Wamakko is a well-established political force. Over the years, he has built wealth through public service, real estate investments, and agricultural ventures. His long tenure in politics has brought him national influence and substantial economic gains.
3. Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal
Net Worth (Estimated): $250 million
Industry: Politics, Law, Business
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Governor of Sokoto State (2015–2023), Tambuwal has enjoyed a lucrative political career that spans over two decades. A trained lawyer, his influence in national politics has opened doors to elite business opportunities, making him one of Sokoto’s richest men in 2025.
4. Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari Bala
Net Worth (Estimated): $200 million
Industry: Real Estate, Contracting, Construction
Popularly known as "Buhari Sokoto," Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari Bala is a silent but powerful businessman in Sokoto. He is involved in large-scale property development, civil construction contracts, and procurement. Many of the urban estates and infrastructure projects in Sokoto city bear his company’s signature.
5. Alhaji Abubakar Malami (SAN)
Net Worth (Estimated): $180 million
Industry: Law, Politics, Investment
Although born in Kebbi, Malami’s heritage is closely tied to Sokoto, and he is often considered a son of the soil. As a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malami leveraged his position for both national clout and private investments, particularly in real estate, oil, and hospitality. He remains one of the most connected men in northern Nigeria.
6. Engineer Bello Suleiman
Net Worth (Estimated): $150 million
Industry: Engineering, Energy, Government
A seasoned technocrat and former Managing Director of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Engineer Suleiman is a respected figure in Nigeria’s energy sector. He has also served as a minister and contributed to the privatization of power assets in the country. His wealth comes from consulting, board appointments, and energy contracts.
7. Alhaji Faruk Malami Yabo
Net Worth (Estimated): $120 million
Industry: Government Contracts, Investment
Alhaji Faruk Yabo is a prominent political figure and businessman from Yabo LGA in Sokoto. With a background in finance and investment, he has held several strategic positions in government. He is also a serial investor in agriculture and logistics, making him one of the wealthiest from the southern part of Sokoto State.
8. Alhaji Umaru Kwabo
Net Worth (Estimated): $100 million
Industry: Transport, Oil & Gas, Real Estate
A rising mogul in Sokoto’s business landscape, Umaru Kwabo controls a network of enterprises including haulage services, filling stations, and land development. He is also a generous philanthropist, known for donating to education and religious causes across Sokoto metropolis. His wealth is steadily growing, thanks to strategic partnerships and community ties.
9. Dr. Abdullahi Balarabe Salame
Net Worth (Estimated): $90 million
Industry: Politics, Education, Consultancy
Dr. Salame is a respected academic, politician, and former acting governor of Sokoto State. He has used his influence in public service and academia to drive economic growth and personal wealth. He invests in education consultancy, schools, and land development, and has a strong presence in both rural and urban Sokoto.
10. Alhaji Sani Gada
Net Worth (Estimated): $80 million
Industry: Diplomacy, Governance, Business
Alhaji Sani Gada is a former Nigerian ambassador and a respected elder statesman from Sokoto. His international exposure and years of diplomatic service have given him both influence and financial stability. He owns stakes in various northern businesses, particularly in consulting, education, and international relations.
Conclusion
Sokoto State, while steeped in Islamic scholarship and traditional leadership, also harbors some of Nigeria’s most powerful and wealthiest individuals. These ten men have leveraged a mix of politics, enterprise, and public service to build legacies of wealth and influence.
Their wealth not only reflects personal success but also speaks to the growing economic importance of Sokoto in the northern corridor. As Nigeria continues to evolve, these figures are expected to remain at the forefront of business and leadership in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Who is the richest man in Sokoto State in 2025?
A: Alhaji Dahiru Mangal is widely considered the richest man with deep family ties to Sokoto, with a net worth exceeding $800 million.
Q2: Are all the men on this list natives of Sokoto?
A: Yes, all the individuals listed are either born in Sokoto State or have ancestral and strong socio-political roots in the state.
Q3: What sectors dominate the wealth of Sokoto’s richest men?
A: Common sectors include politics, oil and gas, real estate, transportation, law, and agriculture.
Q4: Is Sokoto State wealthy?
A: While Sokoto is not among Nigeria’s richest states in terms of GDP, it is home to influential and wealthy individuals with national and international reach.
Q5: What role does politics play in the wealth of Sokoto elites?
A: Politics plays a significant role. Many on this list either hold or have held key political positions which have opened doors for investment and wealth creation.
