Abia State, located in Nigeria’s southeastern region, is not only famous for its commercial hub, Aba, and its industrious citizens but also for being home to some of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals. Over the years, several influential businessmen, politicians, and professionals from Abia have built enormous wealth through diverse ventures including oil and gas, manufacturing, real estate, finance, and media. These high-net-worth individuals have significantly contributed to the state’s economic and infrastructural development while maintaining strong ties to their roots.
In this post, we spotlight the top 10 richest men in Abia State in 2025, examining their estimated net worth, sources of income, and their overall impact on society.
1. Orji Uzor Kalu – $1.1 Billion+
Industries: Manufacturing, Shipping, Media, Oil Trading
Orji Uzor Kalu stands out as the richest man in Abia State and one of the wealthiest in Nigeria. A true rags-to-riches story, Kalu started his entrepreneurial journey by trading palm oil with just $35 borrowed from his mother. He later founded SLOK Holding, a conglomerate involved in shipping, oil trading, media (including Daily Sun and New Telegraph), banking, and manufacturing.
Kalu served as the Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007 and is now a serving senator. His vast business empire spans multiple African countries and has made significant contributions to employment and regional trade.
2. Dr. ABC Orjiako – $1.2 Billion
Industries: Oil & Gas, Maritime Services, Real Estate
Dr. Ambrose Bryant Chukwuemeka Orjiako, popularly known as ABC Orjiako, is another billionaire from Abia. A former orthopaedic surgeon, Orjiako transitioned into business and co-founded SEPLAT Energy, one of Nigeria’s top indigenous oil and gas companies.
Aside from SEPLAT, he has interests in Shebah Petroleum, Helko Marine Services, and construction. Even though he stepped down as SEPLAT’s chairman in 2022, his investments across the energy and real estate sectors keep his fortune firmly in the billion-dollar range.
3. Dr. Alex Otti – $50 Million
Industries: Banking, Investment, Governance
Dr. Alex Otti is a financial expert and the current Governor of Abia State. Prior to politics, he was the Group Managing Director of Diamond Bank, where he played a pivotal role in transforming the bank into a major financial player.
Otti later founded Nextzon Business Services, a strategy and investment advisory firm. His transition from boardrooms to politics reflects his commitment to applying private-sector principles to public governance, and his policies are gradually reshaping Abia’s economy.
4. Chukwuemeka Wogu – $600 Million
Industries: Oil, Gas, Real Estate, Transportation
Chukwuemeka Ngozichineke Wogu is a former Minister of Labour and Productivity and a prominent businessman. He is the founder of CNW Group, which operates in oil and gas trading, real estate, haulage, and port services.
Wogu has been heavily involved in philanthropy, offering scholarships, supporting healthcare initiatives, and creating job opportunities for youths in Abia State. His strategic investments and public service record make him a standout figure in Abia’s development story.
5. Theodore Orji – $500 Million
Industries: Construction, Real Estate, Agriculture
Theodore Orji served as the Governor of Abia State from 2007 to 2015 and later represented Abia Central in the Nigerian Senate. He is associated with TOM Group, a firm involved in infrastructure development, particularly road construction, real estate, and agribusiness.
His administration focused on rural development, with many of his business ventures aligned with public service projects aimed at improving livelihoods across the state.
6. Kalu Ndukwe Kalu – $400 Million
Industries: Telecommunications, Hospitality, Real Estate
Kalu Ndukwe Kalu is a lesser-known but deeply influential figure in Abia’s economic sphere. A former commissioner, Kalu founded H.A.M. Industries, a diversified business group with investments in telecom distribution, real estate, and the hospitality industry.
He owns a chain of boutique hotels and premium real estate projects in major cities like Aba and Umuahia. Kalu’s ability to blend politics with entrepreneurship has positioned him as a key player in the state’s commercial ecosystem.
7. Uche Ogah – $150 Million
Industries: Oil & Gas, Mining, Agriculture
Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, a former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, is the founder of Master Energy Group, a firm with operations in petroleum trading, solid minerals, and large-scale agriculture.
Ogah is known for his strategic investments in mining and rice farming, contributing to both food security and industrialization in the region. His fortune continues to grow thanks to new ventures in renewable energy and agro-processing.
8. Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe – Undisclosed but Substantial
Industries: Oil & Gas, Shipping, Real Estate
Prince Chris Odinaka Igwe is the founder of Mainland Oil & Gas and Chrisnak Group. His entrepreneurial journey started humbly, selling household items on the street. Today, his business empire spans petroleum marketing, maritime logistics, and polymer production.
Igwe is celebrated for his philanthropy and investment in youth development. In 2024, he made headlines for a controversial incident involving press freedom, but his influence remains strong across Abia’s economic sectors.
9. Dr. E.N.C. Ukpabi – Historical Figure
Industries: Academia, Philanthropy
Though not a billionaire in monetary terms, Dr. E.N.C. Ukpabi deserves a mention for his legacy. He was the first Nigerian to earn a PhD in Geography before independence and served as a dean at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
His contributions to education, rural development, and community empowerment in Abia are immeasurable. Many modern scholars and leaders from the state credit him for opening the doors of opportunity.
10. Obinna “Obijackson” Jackson – ~$500 Million
Industries: Real Estate, Investments
Known by the nickname “Obijackson,” this investor has made waves in Abia through quiet but strategic investments in real estate, tech startups, and luxury fashion imports. He recently made news after arriving in Aba via private helicopter to meet Governor Alex Otti.
Though media-shy, his influence in urban development and SME funding is becoming more prominent. He represents a new generation of Abia elites combining tradition with innovation.
Final Thoughts
Abia State is home to an impressive array of high-net-worth individuals whose success stories inspire thousands of entrepreneurs across Nigeria. These top 10 richest men have excelled in various industries—from oil and finance to construction and education—while contributing meaningfully to their communities.
As Abia continues its journey toward infrastructural renewal and economic growth under the leadership of technocrats like Dr. Alex Otti, the contributions of these billionaires and multimillionaires remain critical to shaping the state’s future.
