Jigawa State, a quiet but agriculturally rich state in Northern Nigeria, is often viewed through the lens of its farmlands and serene rural landscapes. But beneath this image lies a rising class of wealthy individuals who have quietly amassed fortunes across diverse sectors such as logistics, agriculture, oil and gas, politics, construction, and finance. From powerful political elites to self-made industrialists and legacy billionaires, Jigawa State has produced some of the most influential and wealthy men in Northern Nigeria.
In this post, we explore the top 10 richest men in Jigawa State as of 2025, delving into their net worth, industries of influence, and the stories behind their financial empires. These men not only contribute to Jigawa's economy but also impact Nigeria's broader socio-political and business landscape.
1. Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubaka
Estimated Net Worth: $500 Million
Alhaji Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar is arguably the wealthiest man in Jigawa State. A successful businessman turned politician, Badaru served as the governor of Jigawa State and is currently Nigeria’s Minister of Defence. He is the founder and chairman of the Talamiz Group, a conglomerate with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and trading. His business acumen and public service career have solidified his place as the most influential figure in Jigawa. Badaru is also known for his philanthropic efforts, especially in the areas of education and youth empowerment.
2. Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu
Estimated Net Worth: ₦5 Billion
Bashir Dalhatu is a prominent legal practitioner, politician, and businessman. He has served as a federal minister in various capacities and is a chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum. Dalhatu has investments in real estate, telecommunications, and oil and gas. His business ventures and strategic political affiliations have ensured his wealth and influence in northern Nigeria, particularly in Jigawa. He continues to be a key voice in regional politics and development.
3. Muhammed Kazaure Gudaji
Estimated Net Worth: ₦4.6 Billion
Known more for his controversial political statements, Hon. Gudaji Kazaure is also a wealthy entrepreneur. While he gained fame as a member of the House of Representatives, his business interests span across telecommunications, agriculture, and real estate. He is one of the few younger politicians from Jigawa with notable personal wealth. His wealth is self-made, and he has earned respect for investing back into his community through education and job creation.
4. Sule Lamido
Estimated Net Worth: ₦3.8 Billion
Sule Lamido is a seasoned politician who once served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and later as Governor of Jigawa State. His long-standing career in public service has opened doors to numerous investments, particularly in agriculture, construction, and the hospitality industry. Despite stepping back from frontline politics, Lamido remains a key figure in Jigawa’s development and continues to grow his business portfolio.
5. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi
Estimated Net Worth: ₦3.5 Billion
Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi is a rising star in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Formerly the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), he is credited with several innovative policies that transformed Nigeria’s IT landscape. Originally from Jigawa, Inuwa has parlayed his knowledge and influence into profitable tech startups and consulting firms. His focus on digital innovation places him among the new generation of wealthy Nigerians from the north.
6. Abdulmumini Hassan
Estimated Net Worth: ₦2.7 Billion
Abdulmumini Hassan is a less-publicized but influential businessman in Jigawa. His wealth stems from large-scale agriculture and industrial manufacturing. Through partnerships with both local and international investors, he has helped boost food production and job creation in the state. His reputation for integrity and quiet philanthropy makes him a respected figure in business circles.
7. Ibrahim Kazaure
Estimated Net Worth: ₦2.5 Billion
Ibrahim Kazaure, not to be confused with Muhammed Kazaure, is another wealthy native with significant investments in real estate and agriculture. He served in various political roles, including Minister of Labour and Productivity. Post-politics, Kazaure has focused on building a legacy through real estate development, supporting youth-oriented programs, and agricultural modernization.
8. Christopher Waziri
Estimated Net Worth: ₦2.1 Billion
Christopher Waziri is a respected businessman and philanthropist. Although he does not maintain a high media profile, his construction and telecommunication firms are well-known across northern Nigeria. He is also involved in community development initiatives aimed at infrastructure and educational support. His wealth reflects decades of successful business strategy and careful investment.
9. Mujitaba Mohammed Mallam
Estimated Net Worth: ₦1.8 Billion
Mujitaba Mohammed Mallam is a seasoned entrepreneur whose interests span transportation, agriculture, and logistics. He has established a regional business empire that provides employment to hundreds across Jigawa and neighboring states. Mallam is also involved in advisory roles for small and medium-sized enterprises, offering mentorship and financial support.
10. Muhammed Babandede
Estimated Net Worth: ₦2 Billion
A former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Muhammed Babandede is a civil servant with a deep understanding of governance and administration. His prudent investments during and after his service have paid off handsomely. He owns properties and businesses in both Abuja and Jigawa and is involved in non-governmental work focused on civil rights and policy reform.
Conclusion
Jigawa State may not be as commercially flashy as Lagos or Abuja, but it is home to some of Nigeria’s most powerful and wealthy individuals. These ten men have carved out niches in diverse industries, showing that prosperity in Nigeria isn’t confined to its southern cities. Through a combination of political capital, family legacy, entrepreneurial grit, and strategic investment, they have built vast fortunes and continue to impact lives and businesses across the country.
Their stories offer inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and a blueprint for creating wealth that benefits not just individuals but communities and future generations.
