Akwa Ibom State, located in Nigeria's South-South region, is not only a center of oil production but also a breeding ground for business moguls and influential leaders. Many natives have built their fortunes across diverse sectors such as oil and gas, law, politics, real estate, and telecommunications. In this post, we present a comprehensive, updated list of the top 10 wealthiest men from Akwa Ibom State, based on their business ventures, estimated net worth, and public influence.
1. Obong Akanimo Asuquo Udofia – Oil & Energy Tycoon
Akanimo Udofia, widely known as AK47, is a globally respected oil magnate and the CEO of Desicon Engineering Limited. He is a native of Akwa Ibom who turned his father's local business into a multi-billion-dollar oil and gas services conglomerate. Forbes once ranked him among Africa's wealthiest individuals. Udofia is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School and continues to invest in human capital development in Akwa Ibom.
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Net Worth: Estimated in billions of dollars
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Business Focus: Oil and gas engineering services
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Notable Achievements: Forbes-listed billionaire, Harvard MBA graduate, major contributor to Akwa Ibom's development
2. Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio – Politician and Oil Investor
Godswill Akpabio is a two-time Governor of Akwa Ibom and the current President of the Nigerian Senate. In addition to politics, he has significant investments in oil and gas, telecommunications, and real estate. His political influence and business ventures have elevated his wealth and national profile.
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Net Worth: Estimated at $100 million
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Business Focus: Politics, Oil and Gas, Telecoms, Real Estate
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Notable Achievements: Senate President, transformational governor, multiple awards for public service
3. Obong Victor Bassey Attah – Architect and Statesman
Victor Attah is a Yale-trained architect and former Governor of Akwa Ibom State. Known as the "Father of Modern Akwa Ibom," he helped design much of Uyo’s current layout. He ventured into real estate development post-governance, developing high-end housing projects like Ibom Freedom Park.
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Net Worth: Undisclosed but substantial
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Business Focus: Architecture and real estate
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Notable Achievements: Former Governor, city planner of Uyo, pioneer of economic development in Akwa Ibom
4. Sir (Dr.) Udom Uko Inoyo – Oil Executive and Philanthropist
Dr. Udom Inoyo served for decades as an executive at ExxonMobil Nigeria, where he rose to the position of Executive Vice Chairman. A champion of education, he founded the Inoyo Toro Foundation, which supports educational development across Akwa Ibom. After retiring from ExxonMobil, he became more involved in philanthropy and public policy.
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Net Worth: Undisclosed but estimated in high millions
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Business Focus: Oil and gas, philanthropy
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Notable Achievements: Longest-serving ExxonMobil executive from Akwa Ibom, major donor to education and healthcare
5. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel – Banker and Former Governor
Before becoming Governor of Akwa Ibom (2015–2023), Udom Emmanuel worked with Zenith Bank as an executive director. He used his financial acumen to steer the state toward industrialization, building factories, roads, and digital infrastructure. His post-governorship activities include investments in logistics and technology sectors.
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Net Worth: Estimated at $10 million
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Business Focus: Banking, politics, logistics, fintech
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Notable Achievements: Former Zenith Bank executive, architect of Akwa Ibom’s industrialization drive
6. Senator Udoma Udo Udoma – Legal Luminary and Boardroom Guru
Udoma Udo Udoma is a top-tier lawyer and co-founder of Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious law firms. He has also served as a Senator and was Nigeria's Minister of Budget and National Planning between 2015 and 2019. His wealth stems from legal practice, board memberships, and high-level consultancy.
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Net Worth: High, but not publicly disclosed
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Business Focus: Law, corporate governance
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Notable Achievements: Former Minister, former Senator, Chairman of major Nigerian companies
7. Senator Ita Solomon Enang – Politician and Legal Practitioner
A veteran legislator, Ita Enang has served in both chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly. His wealth comes from a long career in public service and his legal practice. Enang has been a voice for Akwa Ibom at the federal level for over two decades.
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Net Worth: Undisclosed
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Business Focus: Legal consultancy, politics
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Notable Achievements: Senior Advocate of Nigeria, legislative veteran, advocate for Niger Delta interests
8. Senator Bassey Albert Akpan – Banker and Public Servant
Bassey Albert Akpan, also known as OBA, started his career in the banking sector, working with FCMB and United Bank for Africa. He later became Akwa Ibom State’s Commissioner for Finance before joining the Senate. His contributions to state revenue growth and his continued political presence mark him as one of the state’s wealthiest figures.
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Net Worth: Undisclosed but significant
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Business Focus: Banking, public service
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Notable Achievements: Boosted IGR in Akwa Ibom, senator, sponsor of numerous scholarships and empowerment programs
9. Hon. Unyime Josiah Idem – Telecom and Microfinance Entrepreneur
Unyime Idem is the founder of Idem’s Ultimate Ltd and Stanford Microfinance Bank. He is a House of Representatives member and an influential businessman with stakes in telecoms, oil, agriculture, and education. Idem has used his wealth and influence to support youth empowerment in Akwa Ibom.
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Net Worth: Estimated in tens of millions
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Business Focus: Telecoms, banking, agriculture, oil and gas
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Notable Achievements: Entrepreneur and lawmaker, Chairman House Committee on Public Procurement, philanthropic leader
10. Chief Nsima Udo Ekere – Infrastructure Magnate
Chief Nsima Ekere is a successful businessman and former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He owns multiple companies in real estate, oil services, and construction. His wealth is reflected in his lifestyle and extensive political influence.
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Net Worth: Estimated in millions of dollars
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Business Focus: Infrastructure, oil and gas, politics
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Notable Achievements: Former NDDC MD, gubernatorial candidate, business leader in engineering and logistics
Conclusion
The individuals listed above represent Akwa Ibom’s brightest lights in business and public service. They have not only amassed significant wealth but also impacted the state through infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic development. As Akwa Ibom continues to grow, these leaders are expected to remain central to its success story.
