Kaduna State, one of the most influential states in Northern Nigeria, is not just known for its historical relevance, educational institutions, and military presence, but also for producing and attracting some of Nigeria’s wealthiest and most influential men. These individuals have amassed immense wealth across various sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, politics, real estate, and telecommunications. They are not only successful entrepreneurs and power brokers but also major employers and philanthropists.
This blog post unveils the top 10 richest men in Kaduna State as of 2025. Their business empires, net worth, and socio-economic contributions have significantly influenced Kaduna’s development and Nigeria at large.
1. Aliko Dangote – Net Worth: $10.8 Billion
Although Aliko Dangote was born in Kano, his business reach and investments spread deeply into Kaduna State, where he has cement plants and industrial operations. Dangote is the richest man in Africa and one of the most powerful economic figures on the continent. He is the founder and CEO of the Dangote Group, a conglomerate involved in cement production, sugar refining, salt, oil refining, and more.
In Kaduna, the Dangote Group has created thousands of jobs and contributed to community development through healthcare and educational outreach under the Aliko Dangote Foundation. His refinery and fertilizer plants have also indirectly benefited the region through supply chain engagement.
2. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai – Net Worth: $400 Million
A former Governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023) and one-time Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasir El-Rufai is a technocrat, businessman, and real estate investor. Before joining public service, he founded a successful consulting firm, El-Rufai & Partners, and made significant profits in real estate.
During his governorship, he was known for reforms in education, land use, and public service delivery. Though a polarizing figure, El-Rufai is considered one of the most influential political elites in Northern Nigeria. His wealth is attributed to real estate holdings, consultancy income, and strategic investments.
3. Sani Bello – Net Worth: $500 Million
Colonel Sani Bello (Rtd), a former military administrator of Kano State and a seasoned investor, has strong ties to Kaduna, where he resides and invests. He is the founder of the Sani Bello Foundation and one of the earliest investors in Nigeria’s oil sector. Bello co-founded AMNI International Petroleum Development Company, which operates offshore oilfields.
His fortune is also tied to his shareholding in MTN Nigeria during its early years. His real estate portfolio in Abuja and Kaduna, along with agriculture and philanthropic ventures, cements his status as one of the richest men in Kaduna.
4. Mohammed Indimi – Net Worth: $500 Million
Mohammed Indimi, a Kanuri-born businessman with deep investments across northern Nigeria, including Kaduna, is the founder of Oriental Energy Resources. The oil magnate has built an empire from upstream petroleum operations and is recognized among Africa’s top oil billionaires.
Indimi is also a philanthropist, having built schools, housing units for the internally displaced, and funded scholarships through the Mohammed Indimi Foundation. His properties and investments in Kaduna make him a notable figure in the state's economic development.
5. Abdul Samad Rabiu – Net Worth: $5.9 Billion
Abdul Samad Rabiu, the founder of BUA Group, has extensive investments in Kaduna State, particularly in cement production and sugar refineries. His wealth is derived from BUA’s operations in cement, sugar, pasta, real estate, and port operations.
As one of Nigeria’s richest individuals, Rabiu has shown a strong commitment to philanthropy through the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), which supports education, health, and social development. His businesses in Kaduna provide thousands of jobs and have contributed to infrastructure development in the state.
6. Isa Kaita (Late) – Historical Influence
Isa Kaita was a legendary Northern Nigerian statesman and businessman who left a lasting legacy in Kaduna. He served as Minister of Education in the old Northern Region and invested heavily in agriculture, real estate, and education.
Though no longer alive, his wealth and contributions laid the foundation for many educational and political structures in Northern Nigeria. His descendants have continued his legacy through various businesses and social programs in Kaduna.
7. Murtala Nyako – Estimated Wealth: Undisclosed (Hundreds of Millions in Assets)
Admiral Murtala Nyako, former Governor of Adamawa State, has strong economic ties to Kaduna through his vast farming operations and real estate investments. After retiring from the Navy, Nyako ventured into commercial agriculture, exporting mangoes, melons, and livestock.
Despite political challenges, his influence in Kaduna is significant due to his agro-business footprint and political alliances. His net worth, while undisclosed, includes multimillion-dollar farms and properties spread across northern Nigeria.
8. Uba Sani – Estimated Net Worth: Over $100 Million
Uba Sani, the current Governor of Kaduna State, is an engineer by training and a political strategist. Before becoming governor in 2023, he served as Special Adviser to President Obasanjo and as Senator for Kaduna Central.
He is also known for founding the Uba Sani Foundation, which promotes youth empowerment, education, and healthcare in underserved communities. His engineering and consultancy background, alongside political achievements, have contributed to his wealth.
9. Ahmed Mai Deribe – Legacy Net Worth: Over $100 Million
Ahmed Mai Deribe was one of Nigeria’s earliest oil magnates. He built the iconic Deribe Palace in Maiduguri, a symbol of extreme wealth said to be worth over $100 million. While his origin is Borno, his family’s investments in Kaduna include hospitality, real estate, and charity projects.
His influence remains strong in Kaduna due to his business presence and philanthropic efforts, particularly in the northern part of the city.
10. Lawal Kaita (Late) – Political and Business Icon
Alhaji Lawal Kaita, a former Governor of the old Kaduna State, was a businessman and influential political figure. Though he passed away in 2018, his legacy includes large real estate holdings, business partnerships, and involvement in national politics.
He was a founding member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and held board positions in several companies. His family has maintained his business influence across Kaduna State and beyond.
Conclusion
The economic fabric of Kaduna State is deeply woven with the success stories of these men—entrepreneurs, industrialists, and politicians—who have shaped its destiny. From Dangote’s continental reach to Uba Sani’s grassroots impact, each figure on this list represents the resilience and ambition of Kaduna's elite.
These billionaires and multimillionaires are not only symbols of success but also pillars of economic transformation in Kaduna and Northern Nigeria at large. As the state continues to evolve, their roles in job creation, philanthropy, and infrastructure development will remain critical to its prosperity.
