Nigeria, a nation teeming with accomplished individuals, has a significant contribution from the Igbo community to its economic landscape. This article takes you on a journey through the lives and achievements of the top 10 richest Igbo men in Nigeria, unveiling the stories behind their astounding success.
1. Arthur Eze – Arthur Eze is the Richest Igbo Man in Nigeria
Born: 27 November 1948
Age: 75
State of Origin: Anambra State
Net Worth: $5.8 billion
Source of Income: Petroleum and Aviation
Arthur Eze, known as ‘Ozoigbondu’ of Ndi Igbo, hails from Ukpo in Anambra state. A giant in the Nigerian oil and gas business, he is the CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Nigeria’s largest privately-owned petroleum exploration and production company. After graduating from California State University with a mechanical and chemical engineering degree, he founded Atlas Oranto Petroleum in 1991. The company boasts 22 oil and gas licenses in 12 African jurisdictions and regional offices across West Africa.
Apart from business, Arthur Eze is a key political figure, rumoured to be a godfather, actively supporting candidates in Anambra State. The All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was even conceived in his sitting room.
2. Cletus Ibeto – From Spare Parts to Billionaire
Born: 6th December 1952
Age: 71
State of Origin: Anambra State
Net Worth: $3.8 billion
Source of Income: Entrepreneurship
Cletus Ibeto, a self-made billionaire from Nnewi, Anambra State, started as a motor spare parts dealer without formal education. Diversifying into real estate, vehicle coupling, and cement production, he became a prominent figure in the auto spare parts manufacturing industry. His Ibeto Group, the largest conglomerate in the Eastern part of Nigeria, has stakes in various companies, including Union Bank of Nigeria and Orient Petroleum Plc.
Ibeto’s commitment to education led him to obtain his WASSCE at 48, a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy at 54, and an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.
3. Emeka Offor – A Multifaceted Mogul
Born: February 10, 1959
Age: 64
State of Origin: Anambra State
Net Worth: $2.9 billion
Source of Income: Oil&Gas, Media Communication, others
Ezekiel Emeka Offor, born in Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State, delved into business after completing his secondary education. Known for supplying bitumen to major construction companies, he founded Chrome Oil Services Limited in 1985, which later evolved into The Chrome Group in 1994. The conglomerate operates globally with interests in oil and gas, power, coordination, protection, broadcasting, and media communications.
Organizations under The Chrome Group contribute to Sir Emeka Offor’s growing income, creating a robust business empire.
4. Benedict Peters – Pioneering Oil and Gas
Born: 5 December 1966
Age: 57
State of Origin: Delta State
Net Worth: $2.7 billion
Source of Income: Oil&Gas
Nigerian billionaire Benedict Peters, founder and CEO of Aiteo Group, has significantly impacted the oil and gas industry. A geography and urban planning graduate from the University of Benin, Peters began as a cross-country trader, eventually entering the oil and gas sector in the 1990s. Aiteo Group now owns one of Nigeria’s largest petroleum tank farms, contributing to resource management.
5. Tony Elumelu – Shaping Africa’s Future
Born: 22 March 1963
Age: 60
State of Origin: Delta State
Net Worth: $1.4 billion
Source of Income: Investments
Tony Elumelu, from Onicha-Ukwu, Delta State, is a leading investor and Founder/Chairman of Heirs Holdings. Transforming UBA into a Pan-African Bank, Elumelu stepped down in 2010 to establish Heirs Holdings and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, championing entrepreneurship in Africa. His diverse investments, including a controlling interest in Transnational Corporation, showcase his commitment to transforming Africa’s economy.
6. Ambrose Chukwueloka Orjiakor
Date of Birth: October 2, 1960
Age: 63 years old
State of Origin: Anambra State
Net Worth: $1.2 billion
Source of Income: Oil&Gas Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Ambrosie Bryant Chukwueloka (A.B.C) is a renowned doctor and the chairman and co-founder of SEPLAT, a leading independent Nigerian oil and gas company. Born in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, the 63-year-old billionaire hails from Umuchima, Uli, in Anambra State. With an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion, Ambrose has indirect and direct holdings in SEPLAT worth over $87 million.
7. Innocent Chukwuma
Date of Birth: October 1, 1961
Age: 62 years old
State of Origin: Anambra State
Net Worth: $1 billion
Source of Income: Automobile, investments
Chief Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma CON is the founder and Chairman of Innoson Group of Companies, also serving as the CEO of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing. His journey started in 1981, selling spare parts under the name Innoson Nigeria Ltd. Today, Innoson has evolved into various companies, including motorcycle and tricycle manufacturing, industrial plastics, and vehicle manufacturing.
8. Pascal Dozie
Date of Birth: April 9, 1939
Age: 83 years old
State of Origin: Imo state
Net Worth: $1 billion
Source of Income: Banking, Stocks
Pascal Dozie, a multimillionaire businessman and Diamond Bank Founder, hails from Egbu village of Owerri, Imo state. He launched his first company, the African Development Consulting Group (ADCG), and later established Diamond Bank, now managed by his son Uzoma Dozie. Pascal currently owns shares in MTN Group.
9. Leo Stan Ekeh
Date of Birth: February 22, 1956
Age: 67 years old
State of Origin: Imo
Net Worth: $1 billion
Source of Income: ICT
Leo Stan Ekeh, the chairman/CEO of Zinox Technologies Limited, is a well-established businessman in ICT. His company, Zinox Technologies Limited, became Nigeria’s first internationally certified branded computer company. Leo Stan has also acquired the e-commerce giant company, Konga, and received various awards for his contributions to Nigeria’s economy.
10. Cosmas Maduka
Date of Birth: December 24, 1958
Age: 65 years old
State of Origin: Anambra
Net Worth: $800 million
Source of Income: Entrepreneur
Rounding off the list is Cosmas Maduka, the Founder, President, and Chairman of the Coscharis Group. Born in Nnewi, Anambra State, he officially ventured into business at 17 years. His company, Coscharis Motors, is a leading distributor of luxury cars and has diversified into various sectors, making the Coscharis Group a conglomerate with a net worth of $500 million.
List of the Top 10 Richest Igbo Men In Nigeria:
- Arthur Eze – $5.8 billion
- Cletus Ibeto – $3.8 billion
- Emeka Offor – $2.9 billion
- Benedict Peters – $2.7 million
- Tony Elumelu – $700 million
- Ambrose Chukwueloka Orjiakor – $1.2 billion
- Innocent Chukwuma – $1 billion
- Pascal Dozie – $1 billion
- Leo Stan Ekeh – $1 billion
- Cosmas Maduka – $800 million
FAQs – Richest Igbo Man in Nigeria
- What is Arthur Eze’s primary source of income?
- Arthur Eze’s primary source of income is the petroleum and aviation industries, with his company, Atlas Oranto Petroleum, being a major player.
- How did Cletus Ibeto diversify his business?
- Cletus Ibeto diversified his business from motor spare parts into real estate, cement production, and strategic investments in companies like Union Bank of Nigeria.
- What sectors does Emeka Offor’s Chrome Group operate in?
- Emeka Offor’s Chrome Group operates in oil and gas, power, coordination, protection, broadcasting, and media communications.
- Which industry did Benedict Peters start in before venturing into oil and gas?
- Benedict Peters started as a cross-country trader, transporting agricultural goods, before entering the Nigerian oil and gas industry.
- What is Tony Elumelu’s commitment through Heirs Holdings?
- Tony Elumelu’s Heirs Holdings is committed to transforming Africa through long-term investments in various strategic sectors, including finance, hospitality, power, energy, technology, and healthcare.
