Yobe State, located in the northeastern part of Nigeria, may be widely known for its agrarian economy and resilience amid security challenges, but beneath its quiet surface lies a growing class of powerful entrepreneurs, political figures, and businessmen. These individuals, all natives of Yobe, have risen to remarkable heights through strategic investments, public service, and large-scale enterprises.
We’ve compiled a list of the 10 richest men in Yobe State actively contributing to the state’s economic and social growth. Their stories are a mix of influence, smart financial decisions, and a deep connection to their roots.
Understanding Yobe’s Business Landscape
Yobe is often underrepresented in discussions about Nigeria’s economic powerhouses, but it is a state filled with opportunities. The region has fertile land for farming, significant livestock production, and untapped mineral resources. Recently, there has been a steady rise in real estate development, agribusiness, and infrastructure, thanks largely to the men we profile below.
Meet the Richest Men in Yobe State (2025)
1. Mai Mala Buni – Governor & Business Magnate
Net Worth (Est.): $180 million
Industries: Politics, Real Estate, Construction
Born in Gujba LGA, Mai Mala Buni is not only the Executive Governor of Yobe State but also a savvy businessman. Prior to entering full-time politics, Buni established himself in the private sector, owning companies in real estate, construction, and oil and gas. As governor, he has championed development, particularly in infrastructure and education. His wealth comes from his business empire and political connections, making him one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in the Northeast.
2. Alhaji Abba Gana Tata – Agribusiness Tycoon
Net Worth (Est.): $120 million
Industries: Agriculture, Hospitality, Real Estate
A pioneer in large-scale farming in Yobe, Alhaji Abba Gana Tata has transformed hectares of land into thriving farms producing grains, fruits, and vegetables for domestic and international markets. In addition to agriculture, he has expanded into real estate development and owns high-end lodges in Damaturu and Gashua. Tata also sponsors youth empowerment schemes focused on mechanized farming.
3. Ibrahim Gaidam – Former Governor & Minister
Net Worth (Est.): $110 million
Industries: Politics, Real Estate, Logistics
A veteran political figure, Ibrahim Gaidam served as Governor of Yobe for 10 years and currently holds a ministerial position at the federal level. Born in Bukarti, Gaidam has smartly invested his political gains into real estate across northern Nigeria and operates a logistics company serving construction and government projects. His properties in Abuja, Damaturu, and Potiskum contribute significantly to his wealth.
4. Alhaji Adamu Waziri – Political Elder & Investor
Net Worth (Est.): $100 million
Industries: Politics, Agriculture, Real Estate
From Bade Local Government Area, Alhaji Adamu Waziri has had a long career in Nigerian politics, including serving as Minister of Police Affairs. Outside politics, Waziri is known for his agro-investments and land assets across Yobe and the FCT. He also owns a chain of agro-processing facilities, supporting local farmers and generating employment in his community.
5. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan – Former Senate President
Net Worth (Est.): $95 million
Industries: Politics, Education, Real Estate
Ahmad Lawan, from Gashua, is one of the most influential political figures from Northern Nigeria, having served as Senate President (2019–2023). With over two decades in politics, Lawan has accumulated considerable wealth, mostly from consultancy, real estate investments, and leadership bonuses. His homes in Abuja and Yobe and his quiet investments in education and property development place him firmly on this list.
6. Mohammed Abubakar – Telecoms & Agriculture Mogul
Net Worth (Est.): $80 million
Industries: Telecommunications, Farming
A lesser-known name outside Yobe, Mohammed Abubakar from Tarmuwa LGA has made millions through telecommunications infrastructure projects and commercial agriculture. His company lays fiber optics and builds mobile towers across Northern Nigeria. Additionally, he owns export-oriented sesame and millet farms, contributing to the state’s agricultural economy.
7. Ibrahim Mohammed Bomai – Senator & Logistics Entrepreneur
Net Worth (Est.): $75 million
Industries: Transportation, Agriculture, Politics
Senator Bomai, representing Yobe South since 2019, is also a successful businessman. His wealth is rooted in logistics — he runs a fleet of trucks that haul agricultural produce and construction materials across the North. He also owns several farms in Yunusari and Fika and is known for supporting cooperative societies in rural areas.
8. Mohammed Lawan Gana – Developer & Agro-Investor
Net Worth (Est.): $70 million
Industries: Real Estate, Agriculture, Construction
Known for building some of Damaturu’s best residential estates, Mohammed Lawan Gana is a construction mogul. His company executes public projects, including roads and low-cost housing. He is also an active investor in farming and owns processing plants that produce oil, flour, and packaged groundnuts. His success comes from diversified investment and long-term project financing.
9. Mohammed Daggash – Oil Executive & Telecom Investor
Net Worth (Est.): $68 million
Industries: Oil & Gas, Telecommunications
From Fune LGA, Mohammed Daggash has spent most of his career in oil services and drilling support. He owns an upstream support company that services multinationals in Nigeria’s northern oil exploration regions. Daggash also has minority stakes in a local internet service provider and is a strategic investor in northern tech infrastructure.
10. Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa – Banker & Microfinance Leader
Net Worth (Est.): $65 million
Industries: Banking, Finance
Rounding out the list is Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, the CEO of a regional microfinance bank with a footprint across Yobe’s 17 LGAs. His leadership has brought financial access to rural areas, with loan portfolios targeting farmers, traders, and SMEs. His income from banking and stakeholding in fintech startups has steadily grown, putting him among Yobe’s most prosperous natives.
Final Thoughts: What We Learn from Yobe's Billionaires
The wealthiest men in Yobe State come from diverse backgrounds — from farmers and civil servants to real estate developers and politicians. Yet, they all share a common trait: an unwavering commitment to investing in their state and lifting others as they rise.
Their stories are not just about wealth, but about legacy, transformation, and impact. These are men who continue to shape the state’s future with investments that touch every sector — education, infrastructure, telecommunications, and agriculture.
As Yobe continues to rebuild and develop, these billionaires will remain at the center of its economic story.
