Jigawa State, one of the 36 states in Nigeria, is known for its predominantly agrarian economy, Islamic heritage, and significant role in the country's political landscape. While it may not command the same level of international attention as Lagos or Abuja, Jigawa has produced a number of prominent politicians whose wealth and influence extend beyond the borders of the state.
This article takes an in-depth look at the top 10 richest politicians from Jigawa State as of 2025. These individuals have held key positions in government, managed influential businesses, and in many cases, played substantial roles in shaping Nigeria's political and economic future. The following profiles detail their political journeys, business ventures, and net worth estimates.
1. Bashir Dalhatu – Estimated Net Worth: $7.3 Billion
Known as the Wazirin Dutse, Bashir Dalhatu is a legal luminary and a respected political elder in Nigeria. With a law degree from Ahmadu Bello University and further legal training in London, he began his career in law before transitioning into politics and business.
Dalhatu served as Minister of Power and Steel under General Sani Abacha and has been involved in numerous national-level appointments. He chairs the New Nigeria Development Corporation and is the vice-chairman of Freedom Radio Nigeria. His immense wealth comes from decades of investments in media, real estate, law, and development ventures across Nigeria.
His political relevance remains strong, and his business acumen continues to make him the wealthiest political figure in Jigawa State.
2. Aminu Dantata – Estimated Net Worth: Over $1 Billion
Though more widely associated with Kano State, Aminu Dantata has family ties and business interests extending into Jigawa. He is the founder of Dantata Group, a conglomerate with investments in agriculture, construction, petroleum, and real estate.
His political clout stems from his involvement in Northern Nigerian political movements and advisory roles in national economic planning. Dantata’s philanthropic gestures, particularly in northern Nigeria, further elevate his stature.
3. Bello Maitama Yusuf (Late) – Estimated Net Worth: Over $1 Billion
Bello Maitama Yusuf, until his passing, was one of Jigawa's most influential political figures. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Commerce and later as Minister of Interior. His political career culminated in a term in the Nigerian Senate, representing Jigawa South-West from 1999 to 2007.
Yusuf founded Quartz Integrated Services Nigeria Limited, one of the earliest construction and engineering firms to emerge from Northern Nigeria. His wealth is largely attributed to his success in the construction industry and decades of political influence.
4. Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar – Estimated Net Worth: $500 Million
Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar is a major political force in Jigawa and Nigeria. He served as Governor of Jigawa State from 2015 to 2023 and currently holds the portfolio of Nigeria’s Minister of Defence.
Before politics, Badaru was a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of Talamiz Group, a conglomerate with interests in manufacturing, agriculture, and oil trading. His business ventures combined with political appointments have significantly contributed to his wealth.
Known for his disciplined leadership style and quiet approach to governance, Badaru remains one of the most respected leaders from Jigawa.
5. Ismaila Isa Funtua (Late) – Estimated Net Worth: $400 Million
Ismaila Isa Funtua was a close ally of President Muhammadu Buhari and a media magnate. He founded Bulet International Nigeria Limited, which executed several high-profile construction projects in Abuja and other parts of the country.
Although originally from Katsina, Funtua had deep business and political ties with Jigawa State and the wider northern region. His wealth stemmed from construction, printing, and his political influence in Nigeria’s capital.
6. Sule Lamido – Estimated Net Worth: $350 Million
Sule Lamido is one of the most recognizable names in Nigerian politics. A founding member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Lamido served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (1999–2003) and later as Governor of Jigawa State from 2007 to 2015.
Lamido's wealth comes from decades of public service, advisory roles, and strategic investments in agriculture and real estate. He is credited with modernizing aspects of Jigawa’s infrastructure and is still an influential figure in Nigeria’s opposition politics.
7. Dahiru Mangal – Estimated Net Worth: $300 Million
Dahiru Mangal is a major transportation mogul with business interests spanning aviation, logistics, and petroleum. He is the founder of Max Air, one of Nigeria’s largest privately-owned airlines.
While Mangal is based in the northern region with strong ties to Katsina, his influence and investments are deeply embedded in Jigawa as well. His role in policy-making discussions and support for regional political candidates gives him substantial clout.
8. Suleiman Adamu – Estimated Net Worth: $250 Million
Suleiman Adamu is a notable engineer and politician. He served as Nigeria's Minister of Water Resources from 2015 to 2023 under President Buhari. Before joining politics, Adamu had a successful career in engineering consultancy.
His firm was involved in several high-profile infrastructure projects, and his role as minister allowed him to implement wide-ranging reforms. His wealth is attributed to his engineering background, consultancy business, and political engagements.
9. Alhassan Dantata – Estimated Net Worth: $230 Million
Alhassan Dantata is a businessman and philanthropist known for his successful retail ventures in Northern Nigeria. He is the founder of Express Discount Limited and other trading outfits across Jigawa and neighboring states.
Though not as politically visible as others on this list, Dantata has held behind-the-scenes influence and advisory roles in state governance and development policies. His wealth comes from diversified trade and retail operations.
10. Nasiru Dantata – Estimated Net Worth: $200 Million
Nasiru Dantata is another member of the affluent Dantata family. His business interests lie in agriculture, cement manufacturing, and property development.
He is regarded as a major influencer in economic discussions involving the northern region and has held multiple board memberships. Nasiru Dantata’s steady rise in wealth is fueled by his strategic investments and legacy affiliations.
Summary Table: Richest Politicians in Jigawa State (2025)
| Rank | Name | Net Worth | Key Roles/Positions | Primary Wealth Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bashir Dalhatu | $7.3 Billion | Minister, Chairman NNDC | Law, Media, Real Estate |
| 2 | Aminu Dantata | Over $1 Billion | Founder, Dantata Group | Construction, Agriculture, Petroleum |
| 3 | Bello Maitama Yusuf (Late) | Over $1 Billion | Minister, Senator | Construction, Politics |
| 4 | Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar | $500 Million | Governor, Minister of Defence | Manufacturing, Politics |
| 5 | Ismaila Isa Funtua (Late) | $400 Million | Businessman, Political Adviser | Construction, Printing, Media |
| 6 | Sule Lamido | $350 Million | Governor, Foreign Affairs Minister | Public Service, Real Estate |
| 7 | Dahiru Mangal | $300 Million | Aviation Executive | Transport, Petroleum |
| 8 | Suleiman Adamu | $250 Million | Minister of Water Resources | Engineering Consultancy |
| 9 | Alhassan Dantata | $230 Million | Retail Business Owner | Retail, Trade |
| 10 | Nasiru Dantata | $200 Million | Agribusiness Investor | Agriculture, Property Development |
Conclusion
Jigawa State may not be Nigeria’s wealthiest region, but its political elites are no strangers to immense personal fortune. Through years of service in government, strategic business ventures, and ties to national politics, these ten individuals have not only amassed wealth but have also shaped the socio-political narrative of both Jigawa and the Nigerian federation at large.
Their stories offer a window into how governance, entrepreneurship, and political networking intersect in Nigeria, especially in states often considered to be on the periphery of national wealth.
As Nigeria continues to evolve politically and economically, these figures remain key players to watch, not only for their past contributions but for their potential roles in the country's future.
