Akwa Ibom State, located in Nigeria's South-South geopolitical zone, is a land blessed with oil wealth, cultural vibrancy, and a robust political history. As one of Nigeria's highest oil-producing states, Akwa Ibom has produced a number of influential politicians who have wielded significant power not just within the state, but also nationally. These individuals have combined political clout with business acumen to build fortunes that make them some of the wealthiest figures in the region.
In this post, we highlight the top 10 richest politicians in Akwa Ibom State as of 2025. From billionaires with sprawling oil and gas empires to ex-governors with thriving investments in real estate and banking, these men have shaped the socio-economic landscape of Akwa Ibom.
Let’s explore who they are, their estimated net worth, and how they built their financial empires.
1. Akanimo Asuquo Udofia – Net Worth: $900 Million
Akanimo Udofia tops the list as the richest politician in Akwa Ibom State. Though primarily known for his business exploits, Udofia's foray into politics has further elevated his public profile. He is the CEO of Desicon Group, a multinational engineering company involved in oil and gas, construction, and energy across Nigeria, Ghana, and Chad.
Udofia's impressive net worth is largely derived from lucrative oil and gas contracts, real estate investments, and equity holdings in various financial institutions. In 2014, Forbes Africa recognized him as a billionaire with over $900 million in business contracts. His philanthropic contributions in Akwa Ibom include educational scholarships, healthcare support, and infrastructure projects.
2. Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio – Net Worth: $380 Million
A former governor, senator, minister, and currently the Senate President, Chief Godswill Akpabio is one of Nigeria's most influential politicians. He served as Governor of Akwa Ibom from 2007 to 2015 and is credited with modernizing the state through projects like the Ibom International Airport, Tropicana Entertainment Centre, and road expansions.
Akpabio's wealth is rooted in both politics and business. His investments span telecommunications, oil servicing, and real estate. His political trajectory has also opened doors to strategic partnerships and consultancies that bolster his income.
3. Senator Ita Enang – Net Worth: $300 Million
Senator Ita Enang has been a major player in Akwa Ibom's political landscape. He represented Uyo in the House of Representatives and later served in the Senate. Under President Muhammadu Buhari, he was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters and later on Niger Delta Affairs.
Enang's financial portfolio includes stakes in agriculture, property development, and logistics. He is known for owning prime real estate in Abuja and Uyo, as well as farming enterprises across the Niger Delta region.
4. Senator Udo Udoma – Net Worth: $270 Million
A corporate lawyer turned politician, Senator Udo Udoma has had a career that spans law, politics, and business. He was the Minister of Budget and National Planning and a Senator representing Akwa Ibom South.
As the founder of Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, one of Nigeria's most prestigious law firms, he has built considerable wealth. His firm advises multinationals in finance, oil and gas, and telecommunications. Udoma also holds board seats in several blue-chip companies.
5. Udom Emmanuel – Net Worth: $250 Million
Udom Emmanuel, who governed Akwa Ibom from 2015 to 2023, brought a technocratic style to leadership, leveraging his banking background to attract investments and boost the state’s GDP. A former Executive Director at Zenith Bank, his administration was known for economic diversification and industrialization.
Emmanuel’s wealth includes investments in agro-processing, manufacturing, and real estate. He owns multiple properties in Lagos, Abuja, and Uyo, and has been instrumental in private-public partnership projects within the state.
6. Obong Victor Bassey Attah – Net Worth: $230 Million
Victor Attah was the pioneer governor of Akwa Ibom in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999-2007). His tenure laid the foundation for the infrastructural growth seen today. He advocated for resource control and set the stage for the 13% derivation principle that has significantly boosted state revenues.
Attah’s wealth sources include consultancy services, offshore investments, and oil sector deals. His post-governorship ventures in real estate and construction have also been lucrative.
7. Senator Aloysius Etok – Net Worth: $200 Million
Senator Etok represented Akwa Ibom North-West in the Senate and was previously a member of the House of Representatives. He is known for his legislative activism and grassroots support.
In addition to politics, Etok has substantial business interests in commercial agriculture, transport services, and property development. His farms are among the largest privately owned in Akwa Ibom.
8. Senator Albert Bassey Akpan ("OBA") – Net Worth: $190 Million
A former banker, Albert Bassey Akpan transitioned to politics as Commissioner for Finance before becoming a two-term Senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East. Popularly known as "OBA," he ran for the governorship under the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in 2023.
Akpan’s assets include shares in banks, real estate holdings, and consulting firms. Despite controversies over alleged financial impropriety, he remains one of the wealthiest politicians in the state.
9. Nsima Udo Ekere – Net Worth: $170 Million
Nsima Ekere has worn many hats—engineer, businessman, and politician. He served as Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom and later as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
His wealth stems from contracts, real estate development, and his ownership of a civil engineering firm. Ekere has also invested in renewable energy and ICT projects.
10. Unyime Josiah Idem – Net Worth: $3 Million
Unyime Idem is a rising star in Akwa Ibom politics and the founder of Idems Ultimate Limited, a top telecommunications and tech firm in Nigeria. He also owns Stanford Microfinance Bank.
Currently representing Oruk Anam/Ukanafun in the House of Representatives, Idem's wealth comes primarily from business rather than politics. His investments in agriculture and fintech are growing steadily, positioning him for long-term financial success.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Politicians in Akwa Ibom State (2025)
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Primary Wealth Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Akanimo Asuquo Udofia | $900 Million | Oil & Gas, Engineering, Real Estate |
| 2 | Godswill Obot Akpabio | $380 Million | Politics, Telecom, Real Estate |
| 3 | Senator Ita Enang | $300 Million | Real Estate, Agriculture, Logistics |
| 4 | Senator Udo Udoma | $270 Million | Law Practice, Oil & Gas, Board Memberships |
| 5 | Udom Emmanuel | $250 Million | Banking, Real Estate, Agro-processing |
| 6 | Obong Victor Bassey Attah | $230 Million | Consultancy, Real Estate, Oil |
| 7 | Senator Aloysius Etok | $200 Million | Agriculture, Transportation, Politics |
| 8 | Albert Bassey Akpan | $190 Million | Banking, Real Estate, Consulting |
| 9 | Nsima Udo Ekere | $170 Million | Engineering, Energy, Real Estate |
| 10 | Unyime Josiah Idem | $3 Million | Telecoms, Microfinance, Agriculture |
Conclusion
Akwa Ibom State is home to a dynamic political class whose influence extends beyond governance into industries such as oil and gas, real estate, agriculture, and telecommunications. These top 10 politicians have not only made their mark in public service but have also leveraged their influence to build vast personal fortunes.
Whether through smart investments, strategic partnerships, or entrepreneurial ventures, their stories reflect a blend of ambition, opportunity, and strategic positioning. As the political landscape evolves, these individuals remain pivotal figures in shaping the future of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large.
