Top 10 Richest Men In Kaduna State (2024)

Kaduna is the most populous state in northern Nigeria. Renowned for its booming economy, the state is known as a hub for the production of various crops such as maize, millet, and groundnuts. Additionally, Kaduna State boasts a petroleum refinery which plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s economy.

Amidst this, Kaduna is also home to some of the richest men. From business magnates to influential politicians, these individuals have amassed substantial wealth through their careers. Let’s explore the top 10 richest men in Kaduna State.

Top 10 Richest Men in Kaduna State

1. Ishaya Shekari

Ishaya Aboi Shekari is a prominent figure in Kaduna State. He began his career in the military before serving as the military governor of Kano from March 1978 to March 1979, during which he led the transition to the Second Nigerian Republic government of Muhammadu Abubakar Rimi. After retiring from the military, he transitioned into business. In 1990, he became a director at Diamond Bank Nigeria.

Shekari later became the Chairman of Lion Bank of Nigeria and served on the board of Grand Cereals and Oil Mills companies. Additionally, he holds positions as Chairman and Chief Executive of Magami Holdings Ltd and Chairman of Meristem Securities Limited. Shekari is considered the richest man in Kano as he is reported to be worth millions due to his successful ventures in politics and business.

2. Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, born on March 16, 1960, is another prominent figure in Kaduna state politics. He graduated from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria in 1980, majoring in quantity surveying. Upon completing his education, El-Rufai founded El-Rufai & Partners, a quantity surveying consulting firm, in 1982. He then ventured into politics in 2003 by serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory until 2007.

In 2015, El-Rufai became the Governor of Kaduna State, and won re-election, serving until 2023, marking an eight-year tenure. During his time as governor, El-Rufai focused on education reform, infrastructure development, and job creation initiatives.

3. Danjuma Laah

Danjuma Laah is a politician and businessman who began his career in the public sector, serving as the Deputy Director of Finance and Accounts Division at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Pension Board, Abuja. During his time there, he received recognition for his work, including the DINMA 2009 Award for Accounting.

Danjuma Laah transitioned into politics in 2015, representing the Kaduna South Senatorial district in the Nigerian 9th National Assembly to date. On February 23, 2019, he was re-elected into office having garnered 268,287 votes, defeating Yusuf Barnabas Bala of the All Progressives Congress who had 133,923 votes.

4. Andrew Yakubu

Andrew Yakubu is another influential Kaduna businessman. Born in 1957, he studied chemical engineering at Ahmadu Bello University, graduating in 1979. He served as the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He was appointed to this position by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2012.

Yakubu’s tenure at NNPC was marked by efforts to reform and improve the organization, particularly in the aftermath of a national fuel crisis and amidst widespread perceptions of corruption within the corporation. During his leadership, Yakubu oversaw significant changes within NNPC, including increasing gas supply to the Nigerian market from 300 million cubic feet per day (mcfpd) to 1500mcfpd, with a substantial portion dedicated to supporting the power sector.

He also played a key role in maintaining stability in the supply and distribution of petroleum products across Nigeria, with all three of the country’s refineries running efficiently under his watch. Yakubu’s interventions extended to specific refineries, such as the streamlining of Fluid Catalytic Cracking Units (FCC) in the Kaduna refinery, ensuring operational status in Port Harcourt, and reviving operations in the Warri refinery.

5. Ahmed Makarfi

Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi is another notable politician on the list. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University and a Master of Science degree in Accounting and Finance. After his education, Ahmed Makarfi began his career in banking at Nigeria Universal Bank. With dedication and hard work, he climbed the ladder to the position of Assistant General Manager.

Makarfi transitioned into politics and served as Governor of Kaduna State from March 1999 to March 2007. During his tenure, he implemented various developmental projects and policies aimed at improving the lives of Kaduna residents. After his governorship, he continued his political journey and was elected as Senator for Kaduna North from 2007 to 2011.

6. Audu Maikori

Audu Maikori is a Nigerian lawyer, entrepreneur, and creative industry professional. He is well known as the co-founder and President of Chocolate City Entertainment. Maikori’s career journey began when he founded Chocolate City Entertainment in 2003. While the label was registered in October 2003, it took another two years before it fully commenced business in 2005.

Under his leadership, the label became one of the most influential in the country, nurturing and promoting talented artists including, M.I Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Young John, Dice Allies, CKay, and more. Maikori’s contributions to the entertainment sector were widely recognized, earning him several prestigious awards, including the International Young Music Entrepreneur of the Year in 2007. Beyond his role in the music business, he also made a significant impact as a social activist and public speaker, advocating for positive change in society.

7. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero

Mukhtar Ramalan Yero is a politician and a certified accountant. Yero began his journey in public service as the Commissioner of Finance for Kaduna State in 2007, where he played a pivotal role in managing the state’s financial affairs.

His astute leadership and dedication led to his appointment as the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State in March 2010. Throughout his tenure, Yero’s expertise in finance and governance contributed significantly to the state’s development initiatives.

8. Martin Luther Agwai

Martin Luther Agwai is a highly accomplished retired Nigerian military officer with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Armed Forces in 1972 and subsequently held various key positions within the military. Agwai’s roles included serving as the Chief of Training and Operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces and as the Director of Military Training at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna.

He also served as the Nigerian Military Adviser at Harare, covering Southern Africa, and as a Directing Staff and Chief Instructor at the Command and Staff College in Jaji, Kaduna. Agwai further served as the Deputy Military Adviser at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and ultimately rose to the position of Chief of Defence Staff of the Nigerian Armed Forces in June 2006.

Notably, Agwai commanded the combined United Nations-African Union peacekeeping force in Darfur, overseeing approximately 20,000 troops and 6,000 police officers, making it one of the largest peacekeeping operations globally.

9. Joel Amadi

Joel Amadi, aka Joe El, is a Nigerian afrobeat singer and songwriter who is known to share a striking resemblance and voice with 2Face. He began his musical journey in 2006 and gained recognition after participating in the Star Quest singing competition, which marked his debut on television.

Since then, Joe El has been making waves in the Nigerian music industry with his unique style and captivating performances. Over the years, he has released several hit songs and collaborated with various artists, including his idol, 2Face Idibia.

10. Solomon Lange

Solomon Lange is an International Gospel singer, songwriter, and motivational speaker. His musical journey began at the age of 9 when he started singing in his local Baptist church choir. He transitioned to professional music in 1997. He became part of a small gospel music band called Kale Visions Ministry in Kaduna, through which he ministered across Nigeria.

In 2000, Solomon founded his group, Zion Music Ministry, before eventually going solo in 2003. Throughout his career, he has released numerous albums, with standout tracks such as ‘Na Gode’ and ‘Alheri,’ released in 2008 and 2012 respectively, garnering significant attention. Solomon Lange’s impact extends beyond Nigeria, as he has ministered alongside renowned musicians such as ‘DA’ TRUTH, Donnie McClurkin, Panam Percy Paul, Judy Jacobs, Micah Stampley, Ron Kenoly, and Sammie Okposo.

Related:

• Top 10 Richest Men In Rivers State
• Top 10 Richest Men In Akwa Ibom State
• Top 10 Richest Men In Gombe State

Conclusion

That’s it on the top 10 richest men in Kaduna State. Their success showcases the limitless potential and opportunities within Kaduna’s vibrant economy.

From business tycoons to political figures, these men have achieved success and made a fortune for the generations to come.