Bayelsa State, located in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, is a land blessed with natural resources, especially crude oil and gas. Beyond its breathtaking riverine landscapes and rich cultural heritage, Bayelsa is also home to some of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals. From politicians and ex-militant leaders to entrepreneurs and oil magnates, many Bayelsans have amassed significant fortunes through diverse means.
In this post, we profile the top 10 richest men in Bayelsa State in 2025, showcasing their estimated net worth, industries, achievements, and contributions to the state and Nigeria at large. Due to limited public financial disclosures, many of these figures are estimates based on available data, public records, and credible media sources.
1. Eruani Azibapu – $80 Million
Industry: Oil & Gas, Aviation, Real Estate
Dr. Eruani Azibapu is widely considered the richest man in Bayelsa State. He is the founder and president of the Azikel Group, a conglomerate involved in sand dredging, aviation, power generation, oil refining, and construction. According to a 2018 Forbes feature, Azibapu started small in the dredging business before expanding into aviation with Azikel Air and industrial-scale petroleum refining.
His entrepreneurial journey from medical doctor to billionaire businessman is inspiring. He has reinvested heavily in Bayelsa and has created thousands of jobs through his diverse ventures. With an estimated net worth of $80 million, Dr. Azibapu is a symbol of modern entrepreneurship in the Niger Delta.
2. Goodluck Jonathan – $70 Million
Industry: Politics, Diplomacy, Consulting
Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former President of Nigeria (2010–2015), hails from Otuoke in Bayelsa State. Before becoming president, he served as Deputy Governor and later Governor of Bayelsa, Vice President, and Acting President. His net worth is estimated at around $12 million.
Although public officeholders in Nigeria rarely disclose their full wealth, Jonathan's income from years of public service, international speaking engagements, and board memberships accounts for a significant portion of his fortune. He remains a respected figure across Africa and continues to play a diplomatic role in regional peacekeeping.
3. Dr. Edmund Maduabebe Daukoru – Oil Executive & Traditional Ruler (Net Worth: ~$50 M)
Born in Nembe (1943), Edmund Daukoru rose from Shell geologist to Group MD of NNPC, then became Nigeria’s Minister of State for Energy (2005–2007) and OPEC Secretary-General (2006). In 2008 he was crowned Amanyanabo (King) of Nembe Kingdom. Through strategic oil and gas ventures, board memberships, and royal stipends, his net worth is estimated at US$50 million.
4. Ben Murray-Bruce – Media, Entertainment & Real Estate (Net Worth: ≈ US$50 million)
Ben Murray-Bruce, though born in Lagos, is of Akassa extraction in Bayelsa East and is universally acknowledged as a Bayelsa indigene. He founded the Silverbird Group, Nigeria’s foremost entertainment conglomerate (TV, radio, cinemas, pageants), and served as Senator representing Bayelsa East (2015–2019). Beyond media, he invests in real estate and youth empowerment, with an estimated net worth of US$50 million.
5. Timipre Sylva – (Estimated at $50 Million)
Industry: Politics, Oil & Gas
Chief Timipre Sylva is a former Governor of Bayelsa State (2007–2012) and former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (2019–2023). His political career, combined with insider access to the oil sector, has made him a wealthy man.
Though he has not made his assets public, media sources estimate his net worth between $5 and $10 million. Sylva has also been involved in several oil-related projects and has interests in petroleum logistics and infrastructure.
6. Senator Henry Seriake Dickson – Law & Governance (Net Worth: ≈ US$30 million)
Born in 1966 in Sagbama LGA, Henry Dickson studied Law at the University of Lagos and was called to the bar in 1987. He served as Bayelsa Governor (2012–2020), implementing healthcare and education reforms that generated housing developments in Yenagoa in which he holds equity. Reports indicate UK property holdings valued at ~£4.2 million, plus domestic real estate and consultancy fees as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, placing his wealth near US$15 million.
7. Douye Diri – Estimated at $15 Million
Industry: Politics, Real Estate
Senator Douye Diri is the current Governor of Bayelsa State, having assumed office in 2020 after a historic Supreme Court ruling. Before his governorship, he served as a senator and commissioner. He has maintained a reputation for humility and financial prudence.
Local sources estimate his net worth at over $10 million, largely from real estate, political appointments, and consulting contracts from his years in public service. Governor Diri has also invested in agricultural development and infrastructure in Bayelsa.
8. Dr. Timi Alaibe – Development Consulting & Oil Logistics (Net Worth: ≈ US$3 million)
Ndutimi Alaibe, born June 10, 1962 in Opokuma, graduated from the University of Jos (Public Administration) and later attended Oxford’s Saïd Business School executive programmes. As founding MD of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC, 2000–2005), he oversaw US$1 billion in regional projects, then launched Timi Alaibe & Associates, a consultancy for oil-field services and community development. His investments in logistics vessels and joint-venture stakes in oil pipelines contribute to a net worth of US$2.5–5 million.
9. Dr. Moses Oruaze Dickson – Law & Entrepreneurship (Net Worth: ≈ US$10 million)
Born in Toru-Orua Town, Sagbama LGA, Dr. Moses Oruaze Dickson earned an LL.B from the University of Calabar and an LL.M from the University of Lagos. He founded TRIAX Solicitors, specializing in oil & gas, maritime, and commercial law, serving major clients like NNPC and Chevron. He also chairs Goldcoast Developmental Foundation, funding rural healthcare and educational scholarships throughout Bayelsa. Through real estate holdings in Yenagoa and shareholdings in mid-stream oil firms, his net worth reaches approximately US$10 million.
10. Diekelly Kpongboro – Rising Tech Entrepreneur
Industry: Tech, Startups
Diekelly Kpongboro represents a new wave of Bayelsa entrepreneurs who are making waves in tech and agri-tech. Though not as wealthy as the other figures listed, he is regarded as one of the fastest-growing startup founders from the region.
While his net worth is currently undisclosed, industry insiders estimate his valuation to be in the multi-million-naira range, with high potential for exponential growth.
Conclusion
Bayelsa State may not be the most populous state in Nigeria, but it is home to some of the nation’s most influential and affluent individuals. From oil magnates and political elites to reformed militants and tech entrepreneurs, the top 10 richest men in Bayelsa illustrate the state's unique blend of wealth, power, and potential.
As the state continues to develop under stable leadership, there's hope that its natural riches will empower even more homegrown millionaires and billionaires in the years to come
