Top 10 Richest Men In Akwa Ibom State (2024)

Akwa Ibom is a state in the South-South region of Nigeria. It stands out as the highest oil-producing state in the country, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. Given its robust economic activities, it’s no surprise to find many affluent and wealthy men who have leveraged the state’s economy to amass substantial wealth.

Many of these affluent figures are deeply involved in various sectors, notably politics and the oil and gas industry. The following is a list of the top 10 richest men in Akwa Ibom who have amassed wealth through their business skills, investments, and political careers.

Top 10 Richest Men in Akwa Ibom State

1. Akanimo Asuquo Udofia – $1 Billion

Akanimo Asuquo Udofia tops our list of the richest men in Akwa Ibom with an estimated net worth of $1 billion. Born on June 18, 1969, he hails from Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom LGA, Akwa Ibom State. Akan Udofia had his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Uyo and later attended Harvard Business School.

He is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Desicon Engineering Ltd, a company that operates in various sectors including oil and gas, construction, and electricity. Throughout his 32-year career, he has worked in various sectors including real estate, maritime, and oil and gas. In 2014, Forbes magazine recognized him as a billionaire in dollars with reports stating that his company alone has earned contracts worth $900 million.

2. Godswill Akpabio – $100 Million

Godswill Akpabio is a prominent Nigerian politician and the current President of the Senate. Born on December 9, 1962, he has had a significant impact on Nigerian politics. Akpabio served as the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, during which he initiated several development projects and policies aimed at improving the lives of the people. Akpabio also represented Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019 and again since 2023.

Additionally, he served as the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs from 2019 to 2022. Throughout his tenure in various political positions, Akpabio has been recognized for his influence and impact in the South-South region of Nigeria. Despite controversies and criticisms, he remains a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. Akpabio occupies the second spot on our list with an estimated net worth of $100 million.

3. Udoma Udo Udoma – $60 Million

Third on our list is Udoma Udo Udoma, a prominent Nigerian lawyer. He founded the law firm Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, which is highly regarded in Nigeria for its corporate and commercial legal services. Udoma Udo Udoma has an estimated net worth of $60 million, thanks to his diverse income streams which include law, business, and politics. With a background in commercial law, Udoma has served in various influential roles throughout his career.

He served as a senator in the Federal Republic of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. Later, he ventured into government service, holding the position of Federal Minister from 2015 to 2019. Udoma’s influence extends beyond politics and law, as he has also served on the boards of numerous corporations in both the private and public sectors.

4. Udom Emmanuel — $50 Million

Udom Emmanuel, born on July 11, 1966, is the fourth richest man in Akwa Ibom with an estimated net worth of $50 million. He graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in accounting. Then, he started his career as a bank manager, where he climbed the ladders to become the chief financial officer of Zenith Bank Plc.

Udom Emmanuel’s journey into politics began when he contested for the governorship on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the April 2015 gubernatorial elections which he won. He then served as the governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2015 to 2023.

5. Senator Ita Enang — $40 Million

Senator Ita Solomon Enang is a Nigerian politician who hails from Akwa Ibom State. Born on August 23, 1962, he has played major roles in Nigerian politics. Enang served as the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly Matters (Senate) from 2015 to 2019. Before this, he represented the Itu and Ibiono Ibom Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State in the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011. He later became a senator for the Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District from 2011 to 2015.

While details about his personal business ventures are limited, it is believed that Enang accumulated a significant portion of his wealth through his political career, including salaries, allowances, and other benefits associated with public office. His estimated net worth is around $40 million, making him one of the wealthiest men in Akwa Ibom State.

6. Victor Bassey Attah — $30 Million

Victor Bassey Attah is also another politician in our list of the richest men in Akwa Ibom. He was born on November 20, 1938, and will be clocking 86 this year. Victor Bassey Attah was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 1999 to 2007. After leaving office, he took a step back from politics, focusing on his wife, Alison, who has Type 2 Diabetes.

However, in March 2008, he joined ExecutiveAction, a consultancy that helps firms manage problems in difficult business environments. Despite residing in the United States, Attah ran for the Nigerian presidency in 2007. Attah is financially comfortable, with an estimated net worth of $30 million.

7. Aloysius Etok — $10 Million

Aloysius Akpan Etok is a Nigerian senator born on February 15, 1958. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calabar. Etok started his career in various government and business roles, including serving as a board member of the Akwa-Ibom State Water Corporation. He also played a role in founding Fortune High School in 2002 and was involved in publishing the Ntieyong Business Review magazine in 1999.

Etok’s political journey began when he served as a member of the House of Representatives in Abuja from 1992 to 1993. He later became a member of the Akwa-Ibom State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2003. Etok’s political career peaked when he was elected as a senator representing the Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007.

While there’s little information about his involvement in other enterprises, it’s believed that a significant portion of his wealth came from his years of public service. As of now, Aloysius Etok’s estimated net worth is $10 million.

8. Bassey Albert Akpan — $5 Million

Bassey Albert Akpan, born on October 28, 1972, is a Nigerian politician and former banker. He served as the Commissioner of Finance in Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2014 before entering national politics. Bassey was elected to the Senate of Nigeria in June 2015, representing the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District. He successfully secured re-election in the February 2019 senatorial elections.

Before his political career, Bassey held executive positions in several banks, including FCMB, UBA, and Continents Trust Bank. He is widely recognized as a prominent figure in Akwa Ibom State politics and has gained popularity as a member of the Young Progressives Party (YPP). Despite his political endeavors, Bassey maintains ties to the banking sector and continues to be involved in business activities. With an estimated net worth of $5 million, he is considered the eighth richest man in Akwa Ibom State.

9. Nsima Udo Ekere — $4 Million

Nsima Udo Ekere, born on May 29, 1965, is a prominent political figure in Akwa Ibom State and hails from Ikot Abasi. He was the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Ekere has held important positions, including heading the Ibom Power Company and the Akwa Ibom State Emergency Management Agency. His career spans across both public service and private sectors.

Ekere is known for his contributions to various fields, including telecommunications, banking, real estate, construction, and oil and gas. He was also a gubernatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress in the 2019 election in Akwa Ibom State. His involvement in multiple sectors has contributed to his wealth, estimated to be over $4 million.

10. Unyime Josiah Idem — $3 Million

Unyime Josiah Idem is a businessman and politician. Born on January 14, 1975, Idem represents the Oruk Anam/Ukanafun federal constituency in the Nigeria Federal House of Representatives. He was nominated for a second term as the PDP candidate for the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency race in May 2022.

Idem is the founder of Idems Ultimate Limited, a telecommunications service provider, and Stanford Microfinance Bank Limited. He also has investments in agriculture, real estate, construction, and oil and gas sectors. In addition to his business ventures, Idem is actively involved in philanthropy. Idem’s ventures in business and politics have solidified his position as one of the richest men in Akwa Ibom State with an estimated net worth of $3 million.

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Conclusion

The richest men in Akwa Ibom State show how much opportunity there is in the state for making money. From their major investments in various sectors to their influence in politics and beyond, these men have played pivotal roles in shaping the socio-economic status of the state. Today, they not only contribute to the state’s prosperity but also serve as inspirations for aspiring talents and entrepreneurs.