Gombe State, fondly called the “Jewel in the Savannah,” may not be Nigeria’s most populous or most industrialized state, but it is home to some of the nation’s most accomplished businessmen. These individuals have built immense wealth in sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, construction, real estate, and finance. Their influence extends beyond business, with several making significant contributions to politics, philanthropy, and regional development.
In this article, we spotlight the top 10 richest men in Gombe State, shedding light on their journey to wealth, business empires, and contributions to society. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about wealth in northern Nigeria, this post offers deep insight into the individuals who have shaped Gombe’s economic landscape.
1. Mohammed Indimi – Oil Tycoon and Philanthropist
Net Worth: $500 million+
Mohammed Indimi is undoubtedly the richest man in Gombe State. Born in 1947 in Dikwa (present-day Borno but with strong roots in Gombe), he is the founder and chairman of Oriental Energy Resources Limited, a privately-held Nigerian oil exploration and production company. Indimi secured an oil prospecting license in the early 1990s and has since built Oriental Energy into one of Nigeria’s most successful indigenous oil firms.
His wealth stems from his oil blocks in offshore Akwa Ibom, strategic investments, and stakes in real estate. Indimi is also a celebrated philanthropist. Through the Mohammed Indimi Foundation, he has constructed housing units for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), offered scholarships, and provided food relief in Nigeria’s conflict-affected regions.
2. Isa Mai Kala – Real Estate & Construction Mogul
Net Worth: $420 million
Alhaji Isa Mai Kala is a real estate developer and construction tycoon who made his wealth through strategic urban development projects across Gombe, Abuja, and Kaduna. His company, Kala Holdings, began as a civil engineering outfit but has grown to encompass residential estates, shopping malls, and public infrastructure projects.
With multiple government contracts and a vast portfolio of completed buildings, Isa Mai Kala is one of the most prominent private-sector employers in Gombe State. He also invests in hospitality and has hotels and resorts under development in northern Nigeria.
3. Abubakar Ibrahim Hashidu – Agriculture & Political Investments
Net Worth: $380 million
Late Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Hashidu, former Governor of Gombe State, was a wealthy statesman and agricultural entrepreneur. Though he passed away in 2018, his legacy continues through Hashidu Farms Limited, which specializes in large-scale rice and maize farming.
His family’s agricultural empire includes irrigation-backed farms, milling facilities, and export channels. While much of his wealth originated from politics and public service, he wisely reinvested in agriculture, solidifying his name in both governance and commerce.
4. Modibbo Mohammed Gwadabe – Finance, Forex & Real Estate
Net Worth: $320 million
A respected figure in the world of finance, Alhaji Modibbo Mohammed Gwadabe earned his fortune through bureau de change operations, mortgage services, and real estate development. He is the founder of the Gwadabe Group of Companies, which operates in foreign exchange trading, commercial property, and retail leasing.
His financial network stretches across Abuja, Lagos, and Kano, with significant land holdings and office complexes. In a region where financial inclusion is still developing, Gwadabe is a key player in offering banking and exchange services to underserved communities.
5. Ahmed Abubakar Gombe – Multi-Sector Entrepreneur
Net Worth: $260 million
Ahmed Abubakar is a self-made business magnate who started in textile trading before expanding into agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing. He is the founder of the Ahmed Gombe Group, a conglomerate that operates tomato paste factories, packaging plants, and two luxury hotels in Gombe State.
He is known for investing in value chains that support local farmers, providing equipment and financing to boost productivity. His commitment to job creation and local content has earned him recognition from both the state and federal governments.
6. Ahmadu Mahmoud Shuaibu – Oil Services & Agribusiness
Net Worth: $210 million
Alhaji Ahmadu Mahmoud Shuaibu is a multi-sector investor and CEO of Shuaibu Group of Companies. Starting with pipeline construction contracts for the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), he expanded into palm oil processing, rice milling, and residential estate development.
Shuaibu’s integrated business model—connecting oil services, food processing, and housing—has made his group resilient against economic downturns. His focus on regional expansion into Bauchi and Taraba further strengthens his financial muscle.
7. Haruna Sulaiman – Textile Merchant and Property Developer
Net Worth: $180 million
A veteran of the textile industry, Alhaji Haruna Sulaiman gained prominence in the 1980s and 90s as one of northern Nigeria’s leading cotton traders. He later established Sulaiman Textiles, producing garments and school uniforms for bulk government contracts.
He has since pivoted to real estate, developing commercial plazas and apartment blocks in Gombe and Abuja. His dual approach—combining manufacturing and property investments—has ensured his consistent rise in wealth.
8. Adamu Atiku Abubakar – Agribusiness and Political Legacy
Net Worth: $150 million
The eldest son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Adamu Atiku has emerged as a key figure in agribusiness. Leveraging his family’s vast land resources, he operates commercial rice and maize farms in Gombe and Adamawa.
In addition to his farming ventures, Adamu has investments in packaging and logistics companies that serve northern markets. His involvement in politics has also boosted his visibility, and he is expected to take on larger leadership roles in the near future.
9. Baba Ahmadu Idris – Food Processing Industrialist
Net Worth: $130 million
Barambu Farms, founded by Baba Ahmadu Idris, is one of Gombe’s most advanced agro-processing operations. His business specializes in groundnut oil production, fortified flour, and animal feed. What sets Idris apart is his partnership model—he works with over 5,000 smallholder farmers, offering them access to technology, storage, and fair market prices.
His vertically integrated model keeps most of the value chain local, increasing profitability while also impacting rural communities positively.
10. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya – Governor and Businessman
Net Worth: $110 million
Before venturing into politics, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya built a solid business reputation through telecommunication distribution and real estate. His company, Inuwa Investments, was once the regional distributor for top mobile brands in Nigeria’s North-East.
His entry into governance in 2019 did not end his business affiliations, with family-controlled assets in real estate and retail continuing to generate wealth. As governor, he’s also prioritized economic reforms that attract private investment into Gombe.
Economic Outlook: Gombe's Growing Wealth Class
The rise of these wealthy individuals highlights a broader shift in Gombe’s economy. Once dependent primarily on agriculture, the state is diversifying into manufacturing, oil services, and real estate. Gombe’s consistent ranking as one of Nigeria’s best-performing states in terms of ease of doing business makes it attractive for future billionaires.
These top ten businessmen have shown that with vision, strategy, and a commitment to reinvestment, wealth creation in Gombe is not only possible—it is flourishing. From oil magnates to agro-industrialists, they are redefining what it means to be wealthy in northern Nigeria.
