Rivers State, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is one of the wealthiest and most politically influential states in the country. Known for its natural resources, particularly crude oil and gas, the state has birthed some of the nation’s most powerful and wealthy political figures. Over the years, several Rivers-born politicians have not only occupied strategic leadership positions but have also amassed tremendous wealth through politics, business, and private investments.
In this blog post, we explore the top 10 richest politicians in Rivers State in 2025. We'll look at their political careers, estimated net worth, major sources of income, and their broader influence in both Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
1. Rotimi Amaechi – $400 Million
Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is arguably the most powerful political figure to emerge from Rivers State in the 21st century. He served as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly (1999–2007), Governor of Rivers State (2007–2015), and Minister of Transportation (2015–2023) under President Muhammadu Buhari.
Amaechi is known for his bold political maneuvers, infrastructural projects during his tenure, and his role in national politics. His wealth is derived from various sources including real estate, logistics businesses, oil servicing companies, and political networks. Amaechi’s close ties with national power blocks have also helped him accumulate wealth and influence.
2. Nyesom Wike – $350 Million
A seasoned lawyer and shrewd politician, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike succeeded Amaechi as Governor of Rivers State in 2015 and served two terms till 2023. In 2023, he was appointed as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), making him a key figure in the Tinubu-led administration.
Wike’s political journey started from being a local government chairman to Chief of Staff to the Governor, and later Minister of State for Education. Known for his populist approach and firm grip on Rivers politics, Wike is believed to have invested heavily in hospitality, property development, and oil and gas. His personal style and bold statements have earned him national recognition.
3. Dumo Lulu-Briggs – $350 Million
Dumo Lulu-Briggs is the son of the late High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, one of Nigeria’s most influential businessmen and philanthropists. Dumo followed in his father’s footsteps by maintaining strong business interests while venturing into politics.
He is the Chairman of Platform Petroleum and has contested for governorship in Rivers State under various political parties. Dumo is known for his philanthropic activities and vast investments in oil and gas, banking, and real estate. His inheritance from his father’s estate also significantly boosted his financial standing.
4. Felix A. Obuah – $300 Million
Felix Obuah, popularly known as "Go-Round", is a businessman, philanthropist, and the former Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State. He also served as the Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA).
Obuah is an entrepreneur with significant investments in real estate, hospitality (Go-Round Hotels), sports (Go-Round Football Club), and petroleum marketing. His political connections and business acumen have helped him accumulate significant wealth over the years.
5. Tony Nted – $250 Million
Tony Nted Emmanuel is a former President of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) and a respected voice in the maritime sector. Under his leadership, MWUN witnessed structural reforms and better working conditions for its members.
Beyond his union activities, Tony Nted is deeply involved in the maritime business, shipping logistics, and oil services. His wealth is largely from private sector deals and strategic investments in the port and oil sectors.
6. Austin Opara – $200 Million
Austin Opara is a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and one of the most cerebral politicians to emerge from Rivers State. He played a vital role in national legislative reforms during his time in the National Assembly.
Opara is also involved in consulting, political strategy, and education. His income sources include political appointments, corporate partnerships, and business consultancy across public and private sectors.
7. Marshall Stanley Uwom – $150 Million
Marshall Uwom has held several important positions in Rivers State, including Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Commissioner for Agriculture, and Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
A legal practitioner by training, Uwom also has interests in real estate, legal consulting, and agriculture. His financial success is a combination of political earnings and private legal practice.
8. Olaka Nwogu – $120 Million
Olaka Nwogu has a long-standing career in politics, having served in the House of Representatives and as a Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial District. He is widely respected for his legislative experience and community advocacy.
Olaka is also a businessman with interests in construction, hospitality, and property development. His dual engagement in politics and entrepreneurship has made him one of the wealthiest politicians in Rivers State.
9. Tele Ikuru – $100 Million
Engr. Tele Ikuru served as the Deputy Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015 under Rotimi Amaechi. An engineer by profession, Ikuru is credited with overseeing numerous infrastructural projects, especially in the water and housing sectors.
After his political tenure, Ikuru returned to engineering consultancy and construction, which are now the main sources of his income. His low-profile lifestyle belies his considerable wealth.
10. Tammy Danagogo – $90 Million
Dr. Tammy Danagogo is a lawyer and politician who served as the Minister of Sports under President Goodluck Jonathan. He has also served as Secretary to the Rivers State Government and held several advisory positions.
Danagogo is involved in law, academia, and public policy consulting. His wealth has grown through a mix of political earnings, private law practice, and investments in real estate and education.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Politicians in Rivers State (2025)
| Rank | Name | Estimated Net Worth | Key Political Roles | Primary Income Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rotimi Amaechi | $400 million | Former Governor, Former Minister of Transportation | Politics, Business, Real Estate |
| 2 | Nyesom Wike | $350 million | Former Governor, FCT Minister | Politics, Law, Real Estate |
| 3 | Dumo Lulu-Briggs | $350 million | Businessman, Politician | Oil & Gas, Politics, Investments |
| 4 | Felix A. Obuah | $300 million | PDP Chairman, Entrepreneur | Real Estate, Hospitality, Politics |
| 5 | Tony Nted | $250 million | Union Leader, Businessman | Maritime, Oil Services |
| 6 | Austin Opara | $200 million | Former Deputy Speaker, House of Reps | Politics, Business Consultancy |
| 7 | Marshall Stanley Uwom | $150 million | Former Commissioner, Deputy Speaker | Law, Government Contracts |
| 8 | Olaka Nwogu | $120 million | Former Senator, Businessman | Politics, Property & Construction |
| 9 | Tele Ikuru | $100 million | Former Deputy Governor | Engineering, Governance |
| 10 | Tammy Danagogo | $90 million | Former Minister of Sports | Law, Politics, Private Investments |
Final Thoughts
Rivers State has always been a powerhouse in Nigerian politics, and it is no surprise that many of its top political figures are also among the wealthiest in the country. The state's vast resources, especially oil and gas, coupled with strategic political appointments and business savvy, have enabled these politicians to amass significant fortunes.
While wealth alone does not equate to effective governance, many of these individuals have contributed to the development of Rivers State through infrastructure, job creation, and philanthropy. However, questions around accountability and transparency often accompany discussions of political wealth in Nigeria.
As 2025 progresses, it remains to be seen how these wealthy political figures will continue to influence the socio-political and economic landscape of Rivers State.
