Taraba State, often referred to as “Nature’s Gift to the Nation,” is one of Nigeria’s most picturesque regions, blessed with natural resources, vast land, and a vibrant mix of ethnic groups. While it may not always dominate national headlines for wealth or industry, the state is home to several powerful men who have amassed incredible fortunes across various sectors — oil, politics, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, and real estate.
In this article, we present the top 10 richest men in Taraba State as of 2025. All individuals on this list are indigenous to Taraba, currently alive, and have accumulated wealth through impactful and verifiable ventures. Their success stories are not just about money — they reflect years of hard work, strategic decision-making, and contributions to both state and national development.
1. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma – Estimated Net Worth: $750 Million
Arguably the most prominent figure from Taraba State, General T.Y. Danjuma was born in Takum in December 1938. He is a retired Nigerian Army General, businessman, and philanthropist. After a distinguished military career, he transitioned into the business world, where he made his fortune.
He is the founder of South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO), an oil exploration company that has benefited from several lucrative oil blocks in Nigeria and beyond. Danjuma also has significant investments in real estate and shipping through NAL-Comet and various other holdings across Africa. Beyond his immense wealth, his influence in Nigeria’s political and economic spheres is undeniable.
2. Rev. Jolly Tavoro Nyame – Estimated Net Worth: $650 Million
Jolly Nyame, born in Zing, Taraba State, is a former Governor of Taraba State (1992–1993; 1999–2007) and a former Reverend with the United Methodist Church. Although he has had a controversial political career, including a high-profile corruption trial, Nyame received a presidential pardon in 2022.
Today, he owns substantial real estate holdings across Nigeria and is heavily invested in large-scale farming and hospitality. Despite past challenges, Nyame remains one of Taraba’s wealthiest and most influential individuals.
3. Alhaji Sani Abubakar Danladi – Estimated Net Worth: $550 Million
A native of Karim Lamido LGA, Alhaji Sani Danladi is a former Acting Governor of Taraba State and one of the state's most influential political figures. His wealth comes from a mix of oil and gas investments, real estate, and political consulting.
As a savvy investor, he owns several businesses in the energy, hospitality, and transport sectors. He has used his political experience and connections to build a fortune estimated at over $500 million.
4. Murtala Abdullahi Ishaku – Estimated Net Worth: $500 Million
Little may be known about Murtala Abdullahi Ishaku in the mainstream media, but within Taraba's business circles, he is a known player. His ventures primarily focus on oil exploration, infrastructure, and haulage.
He is said to have interests in several upstream oil firms operating in northern Nigeria and neighboring countries. Though media-shy, he remains one of the biggest private investors from the state.
5. Chief David Sabo Kente – Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million
Popularly known as DSK, Chief David Sabo Kente was born in Kente, Wukari LGA. He is a seasoned businessman and politician who has built a formidable conglomerate — DSK Group International — with interests in real estate, oil and gas, hospitality, and agriculture.
He is also the founder of the DSK Foundation, a non-profit that supports education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation in Taraba and other parts of Nigeria. DSK’s investments in high-end hotels, farming estates, and logistics have earned him an estimated net worth of $300 million.
6. Chief Emmanuel B.B. Ishaku – Estimated Net Worth: $250 Million
An agricultural tycoon, Chief Emmanuel B.B. Ishaku has played a vital role in Taraba’s agribusiness revolution. His farms produce large quantities of rice, maize, and cash crops, which are exported beyond Nigeria.
He owns several processing plants and warehouses in Jalingo and the Mambilla Plateau, making him a significant employer and contributor to local development. His strategic partnerships with international investors have further boosted his fortunes.
7. Chief Julius Kai – Estimated Net Worth: $200 Million
Julius Kai is a logistics and real estate mogul who built his fortune by connecting Taraba’s interior towns with major Nigerian commercial hubs. He began with a small fleet of trucks transporting agricultural produce and now operates a full-fledged logistics network with warehouses across the North-East.
Kai also owns residential and commercial properties in Jalingo, Abuja, and Kaduna. His wealth, pegged at around $200 million, has made him one of the most respected businessmen in the region.
8. Chief Johnson O. Onu – Estimated Net Worth: $180 Million
As a major player in the manufacturing and distribution of plastic goods, Chief Johnson Onu has quietly grown his business into a national brand. Born in southern Taraba, Onu established several factories that produce household plastic goods, agricultural containers, and packaging materials.
His products are distributed across Nigeria and West Africa, giving him a strong footprint in the manufacturing industry. Onu is also an active investor in education and health sectors within Taraba State.
9. Alhaji Bashir Marafa – Estimated Net Worth: $150 Million
A real estate and telecom investor, Alhaji Bashir Marafa has used his expertise in tech infrastructure and land acquisition to build a steady stream of wealth. He is a stakeholder in multiple telecommunications mast installation companies operating across the Middle Belt and North-East.
In real estate, his properties in Abuja and Taraba provide luxury housing and office spaces to both locals and expatriates. He also serves on the board of several companies and has an estimated net worth of $150 million.
10. Darius Dickson Ishaku – Estimated Net Worth: $8 Million
Rounding off the list is Darius Ishaku, who served as Governor of Taraba State from 2015 to 2023. A professional architect, urban planner, and former Minister of Power, Ishaku’s wealth comes primarily from his professional practice and public service entitlements.
Before his political rise, he was a principal partner in a well-regarded architectural firm and also served in several ministerial capacities. His net worth is modest compared to others on the list but still significant, standing at about $8 million.
Final Thoughts
The men on this list represent the highest echelons of success in Taraba State, showing that immense wealth can emerge from even the most overlooked regions. From military service to real estate empires, and from agriculture to oil and gas, these individuals have built lasting legacies while remaining grounded in their roots.
Their contributions to the economy, employment, philanthropy, and politics have helped shape Taraba into a state with rising promise and relevance. As Nigeria continues to evolve, Taraba's richest natives will undoubtedly play a role in guiding both state and national progress.
