Introduction
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 – $12 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. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha – £13 Million+ (Historical)
Industry: Politics, Real Estate
Late Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha was the first elected Governor of Bayelsa State (1999–2005). Though his tenure ended controversially with charges of corruption, investigations revealed he owned four London properties worth over £10 million and held £1.8 million in various foreign bank accounts.
Despite the legal troubles and asset forfeitures, his legacy still resonates in Bayelsa politics. His family reportedly retained portions of his estate, keeping them financially stable. Alamieyeseigha’s wealth during his lifetime undoubtedly placed him among Bayelsa’s wealthiest.
4. Government Tompolo – $100 Million+
Industry: Maritime Security, Oil Surveillance, Logistics
Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, is a former Niger Delta militant leader who transitioned into legal business ventures following the Federal Government's Amnesty Programme. He founded Global West Vessel Specialist Limited, which received multi-billion naira contracts from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to secure oil facilities and waterways.
Despite past controversies, including periods in hiding from law enforcement, Tompolo has grown into a powerful figure in the region’s security and oil sectors. Conservative estimates place his net worth north of $100 million.
5. Ateke Tom – $10 Million+
Industry: Security Services, Real Estate
Ateke Tom, like Tompolo, is another ex-militant commander who benefited from the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. He reportedly received $3.5 million annually under federal rehabilitation schemes. Since then, he has invested in real estate and private security services.
While not as publicly prominent as Tompolo in recent years, Ateke has remained wealthy and influential, especially in Bayelsa and Rivers States. His assets suggest a net worth in the region of $10 million or more.
6. Douye Diri – $10 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.
7. Timipre Sylva – $5–10 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.
8. Timi Alaibe – ₦1–2 Billion
Industry: Oil & Gas, Development Consulting
Timi Alaibe served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and was once a governorship aspirant in Bayelsa. He has built his wealth through marine logistics, oil services, and development consulting.
His net worth is believed to range between ₦1 and ₦2 billion (approximately $2.5 million to $5 million), with investments across the Niger Delta. Alaibe is also known for mentoring young Bayelsa professionals and entrepreneurs.
9. Asari Dokubo – Undisclosed
Industry: Education, Activism
Asari Dokubo, a former militant leader, is now an activist and the founder of Kingdom of Kalahari, a private learning institution. Though originally from Rivers State, he has strong roots in Bayelsa and has played a key role in Niger Delta affairs.
Dokubo has acquired considerable wealth over the years, including offshore investments. While his exact net worth is unknown, he is assumed to be worth several millions of dollars.
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.
Final Thoughts
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
