Nigeria’s Igbo tribe is renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and economic influence. Many Igbo men have become some of the richest individuals in Nigeria, dominating sectors like oil & gas, manufacturing, banking, and technology.
In this article, we reveal the Top 10 Richest Igbo Men in Nigeria for 2025, highlighting their estimated net worth, key business ventures, and investments.
1. Arthur Eze
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Net Worth: $5.8 billion
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Industry: Oil & Gas
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About: Founder and CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, the largest privately owned oil exploration company in Africa. Arthur Eze also invests in aviation with Triax Airlines and real estate. He is a major philanthropist in Nigeria.
2. Cletus Ibeto
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Net Worth: $3.8 billion
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Industry: Diversified Conglomerate
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About: Founder and CEO of the Ibeto Group, Cletus Ibeto built his fortune starting as an auto parts dealer before expanding into oil & gas, real estate, hospitality, and banking.
3. Orji Uzor Kalu
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Net Worth: $3.2 billion
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Industry: Conglomerate & Media
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About: Founder of SLOK Group, which has businesses in media (The Sun Newspapers), shipping, oil & gas, and banking. Kalu is also a serving senator representing Abia North Senatorial District.
4. Emeka Offor
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Net Worth: $2.9 billion
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Industry: Oil & Gas, Power, Telecommunications
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About: Chairman of Chrome Group, with investments in energy, telecommunications, and logistics. He also owns the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).
5. Benedict Peters
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Net Worth: $2.7 billion
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Industry: Oil & Gas
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About: Founder of Aiteo Group, one of Nigeria’s leading oil companies focused on exploration, production, and marketing.
6. ABC Orjiako
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Net Worth: $1.2 billion
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Industry: Oil & Gas
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About: Chairman of Seplat Energy, a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Notably, Orjiako was trained as an orthopedic surgeon before turning to business.
7. Innocent Chukwuma
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Net Worth: $1 billion
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Industry: Automotive
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About: Founder of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, Nigeria’s first indigenous car manufacturer, driving innovation in the automotive industry.
8. Leo Stan Ekeh
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Net Worth: $1 billion
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Industry: Technology
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About: Founder of Zinox Technologies, Nigeria’s first certified computer manufacturer, making major strides in the tech sector.
9. Cosmas Maduka
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Net Worth: $800 million
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Industry: Automotive & Agriculture
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About: Founder of Coscharis Group, with interests in automotive sales (Coscharis Motors), agriculture, and technology. He started young, selling akara to support his family.
10. Emeka Okonkwo (Diamond Bank Founder)
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Net Worth: Estimated $700 million+
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Industry: Banking & Finance
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About: Influential businessman with strong roots in finance and banking, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s banking sector growth.
Summary Table
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Industry | Key Ventures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arthur Eze | $5.8B | Oil & Gas | Atlas Oranto Petroleum |
| 2 | Cletus Ibeto | $3.8B | Conglomerate | Ibeto Group |
| 3 | Orji Uzor Kalu | $3.2B | Conglomerate & Media | SLOK Group |
| 4 | Emeka Offor | $2.9B | Oil & Gas, Power | Chrome Group, EEDC |
| 5 | Benedict Peters | $2.7B | Oil & Gas | Aiteo Group |
| 6 | ABC Orjiako | $1.2B | Oil & Gas | Seplat Energy |
| 7 | Innocent Chukwuma | $1B | Automotive | Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing |
| 8 | Leo Stan Ekeh | $1B | Technology | Zinox Technologies |
| 9 | Cosmas Maduka | $800M | Automotive & Agriculture | Coscharis Group |
| 10 | Emeka Okonkwo | $700M+ | Banking & Finance | Banking Investments |
FAQs
Q1: Who is the richest Igbo man in Nigeria today?
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Arthur Eze leads the list with an estimated net worth of $5.8 billion.
Q2: What sectors do the richest Igbo men invest in?
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Mainly oil & gas, banking, automotive manufacturing, technology, and media.
Q3: Are these individuals involved in philanthropy?
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Yes, many of them contribute actively to social causes and community development.
Q4: Which Igbo billionaire started in the automotive industry?
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Innocent Chukwuma founded Nigeria’s first indigenous car manufacturing company, Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing.
Q5: Do any of these wealthy Igbo men have a political career?
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Yes, Orji Uzor Kalu is currently serving as a senator.
Conclusion
The Igbo tribe has produced some of Nigeria’s wealthiest and most influential men, whose investments span multiple sectors driving the country’s economy. Their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to diversify business interests have made them household names in Nigeria and beyond.
As Nigeria continues to grow, these Igbo business leaders will likely play an even bigger role in shaping the nation’s future.
