Akwa Ibom State, located in Nigeria’s South-South region, is not just famous for its vast oil reserves, cultural heritage, and serene coastline—it is also home to some of Nigeria’s most successful and wealthiest individuals. These men, through strategic investments, political influence, and innovative ventures, have built vast empires spanning oil and gas, real estate, agriculture, banking, telecommunications, and manufacturing.
In this post, we unveil the top 10 richest men in Akwa Ibom State as of 2025, exploring how they amassed their wealth, their business interests, and the impact they’ve had on the state through philanthropy and development initiatives.
1. Bassey Nkanga – Oil Magnate and Philanthropist
Sitting at the top of the list is Bassey Nkanga, the founder and CEO of Nkanga Oil & Gas Limited. Nkanga capitalized on Nigeria’s reliance on petroleum products to build a formidable energy company that services upstream and downstream sectors. With strategic partnerships across Africa and global oil conglomerates, he has amassed billions in assets.
Nkanga is not just a businessman—he is a notable philanthropist. Through the Nkanga Foundation, he funds scholarship programs, vocational training for youths, and healthcare outreach projects across Akwa Ibom. His business acumen and charitable contributions make him one of the most influential figures in the state today.
2. Obong Victor Attah – Real Estate Mogul and Statesman
A former Governor of Akwa Ibom State (1999–2007), Obong Victor Attah transitioned seamlessly from public service to business. An architect by training, Attah founded several real estate and construction firms that developed much of the modern infrastructure in Uyo and surrounding cities.
His firms have built luxury residential estates, commercial plazas, and public buildings. As a respected elder statesman, Attah still plays a significant role in political discourse while using his influence to attract investors to the state.
3. Senator Godswill Akpabio – Political Titan Turned Business Tycoon
Godswill Akpabio, the current Senate President of Nigeria and former two-term Governor of Akwa Ibom (2007–2015), is one of the wealthiest political figures in Nigeria. Known for transforming Akwa Ibom with large-scale infrastructural projects, Akpabio earned the nickname “Uncommon Transformer.”
After leaving office, he invested in oil services, telecommunications, and luxury real estate in Abuja and Uyo. He is also a major stakeholder in several transport and logistics firms. Akpabio has funded numerous community-based projects, especially in education and healthcare.
4. Udom Uko Inoyo – Corporate Leader and Educational Advocate
Udom Inoyo is a retired Executive Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Nigeria and one of Akwa Ibom’s most respected corporate leaders. With over three decades in the oil industry, he played a crucial role in steering ExxonMobil’s upstream operations.
After retirement, he focused on philanthropy through the Inoyo Toro Foundation, which provides scholarships, teacher training programs, and mentorship initiatives in Akwa Ibom schools. His leadership and community service continue to inspire many in the state.
5. Aniefiok Udoabasi – Telecoms and Tech Giant
Aniefiok Udoabasi is the founder and CEO of Udoabasi Telecoms, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing mobile service providers. Starting with base stations in rural communities in Akwa Ibom, he has expanded nationally, with services in over 20 states.
His business interests extend to fintech, real estate, and e-commerce. Udoabasi is passionate about rural development and has invested heavily in electrification projects and free internet zones in secondary schools across the state.
6. Sam Edoho – Industrialist and Real Estate Developer
The founder of Edoho Group, Sam Edoho has built a diversified empire spanning real estate, manufacturing, and agriculture. His estates in Uyo and Eket are some of the most luxurious in Akwa Ibom. His manufacturing plants, which produce cement blocks and roofing sheets, supply builders across southern Nigeria.
Edoho also runs an empowerment scheme that provides interest-free microloans to women and young entrepreneurs, helping to lift hundreds out of poverty.
7. Nsima Ekere – Strategic Investor and Infrastructure Consultant
Nsima Ekere, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is a major player in oil servicing, construction, and infrastructure consulting. His tenure at NDDC positioned him to build valuable government connections, which he has converted into profitable partnerships and contracts.
Ekere’s wealth comes from his holdings in engineering firms, logistics companies, and construction contracts across the Niger Delta. He funds skill acquisition centers and small business grants across Akwa Ibom.
8. Chris Ekpenyong – Construction Magnate and Former Deputy Governor
Obong Chris Ekpenyong is a businessman and politician who served as Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State. After leaving office, he focused on his company, Ekpenyong Ventures, which handles large-scale infrastructure and residential projects.
His firm’s portfolio includes highways, schools, and estate projects. He is also involved in oil transportation and construction logistics. Ekpenyong donates to healthcare missions and sponsors free surgeries for the less privileged.
9. Emem Ekpenyong – Agribusiness Leader
Emem Ekpenyong is the brains behind Ekpenyong Farms, a massive agribusiness with thousands of hectares under cultivation for palm oil, cassava, and cocoa. His company processes and exports these products, tapping into global markets.
He also owns a fleet of transport vehicles that distribute produce nationwide. Emem supports youth training programs in modern agriculture and has helped many young farmers become financially independent.
10. Udom Emmanuel – Banker, Politician, and Economic Strategist
Udom Emmanuel, who served as Governor of Akwa Ibom from 2015 to 2023, is a chartered accountant and former Executive Director at Zenith Bank. Before entering politics, he had already built a solid financial portfolio through banking, stock investments, and real estate.
As governor, he focused on industrialization and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). After leaving office, Emmanuel returned to business, with key interests in logistics, fintech, and hospitality.
Impact Beyond Wealth: Philanthropy and Development
These ten men are not just billionaires—they are builders of modern Akwa Ibom. Their contributions to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment have had lasting effects. Through scholarships, free medical services, road construction, job creation, and business mentorship, they are helping bridge inequality gaps in the state.
Their business models also show that Akwa Ibom’s economy is maturing beyond crude oil. New wealth is emerging in telecoms, agriculture, fintech, and real estate—proof that the future of the state is promising.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the richest man in Akwa Ibom State?
Bassey Nkanga currently holds the position as the richest man in Akwa Ibom due to his vast investments in the oil and gas sector.
Which industries dominate among Akwa Ibom billionaires?
Oil and gas, real estate, construction, telecommunications, agriculture, and banking are the most lucrative sectors.
Are most of these billionaires politicians?
While some, like Godswill Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel, gained prominence in politics, many others like Sam Edoho and Aniefiok Udoabasi built their fortunes as private entrepreneurs.
What philanthropic efforts do they support?
They fund education (scholarships, school construction), health programs (mobile clinics, free surgeries), rural development (clean water and electrification), and youth empowerment (vocational training).
Is Akwa Ibom a good place to invest?
Yes. With political stability, infrastructural growth, and increasing private-sector activity, Akwa Ibom is one of Nigeria’s most attractive investment destinations.
Conclusion
Akwa Ibom State’s wealthiest men are proof that with vision, strategy, and determination, success is achievable—even in an economy often riddled with challenges. These ten individuals have not only made names for themselves but have also improved lives, empowered communities, and influenced state-wide development. As Akwa Ibom continues to attract both local and foreign investment, these billionaires are paving the way for the next generation of business moguls.
