Top 10 Richest Men In Rivers State (2024)

Rivers is a state in southern Nigeria, and it’s the 26th largest state by area. Its economy is dominated by the petroleum industry, with more than 60% of the country’s output of crude oil produced there.

Thanks to its abundant oil resources, Rivers has become a breeding ground for entrepreneurial brilliance. From oil magnates to business enthusiasts, the state boasts many billionaires. Here are the top 10 richest men in Rivers State and their net worth.

Top 10 Richest Men in Rivers State

1. Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs – $500 MILLION

Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs, born on June 13, 1964, is a Nigerian businessman and politician. He started his political journey in 1992 as a candidate for the Social Democratic Party in the House of Representatives. From 1996 to 1998, he served as the National Assistant Legal Adviser for the Grassroots Democratic Party. In 2018, he sought the governorship ticket for Rivers State under the All Progressives Congress before joining the Accord Party.

Following the passing of his billionaire father, Chief OB Lulu-Briggs, Dumo took over the family’s business interests, including an oil well. He is the director and CEO of the DLB Group, a conglomerate with investments in oil and gas and marine sectors. He is presently the Chairman of Platform Petroleum Limited, a company based in the oil and gas sector. With an estimated net worth of $500 million, he is considered the richest man in Rivers State.

2. Nyesom Wike – $200 MILLION

Nyesom Wike is a Nigerian politician and lawyer born on December 13, 1967. He has a notable career in politics and is one of the major players in the People’s Democratic Party chapter in Rivers State. Wike began his political career as the Executive Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area from 1999 to 2007. He then became the Minister of State for Education in 2011 and later the Acting Minister of Education.

Wike resigned from his ministerial position to pursue the governorship of Rivers State, which he won. He was elected as the governor of Rivers State in 2015 and served until 2023. During his tenure, Wike made significant contributions to the economic and political development of the state. He is currently the Minister of FCT, a position given to him by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Wike’s estimated net worth is over $200 million, making him the second richest man in Rivers State.

3. King Edward Asimini Pepple – $190 MILLION

King Edward Asimini Pepple is the current king of the Bonny empire in Rivers State. He holds significant wealth and influence in his region. King Pepple’s reign has seen him become one of the most prominent traditional rulers in Nigeria. Born into royalty, he has upheld the traditions and values of his people.

Throughout his years, King Pepple has been dedicated to the development and prosperity of his community. He has played a pivotal role in various initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of the people of Bonny. King Pepple’s estimated net worth is around $190 million, making him one of the richest traditional rulers in Nigeria and the third richest man in Rivers State.

4. Tonye Cole – $150 MILLION

Tonye Cole is a businessman and aspiring politician from Rivers State, Nigeria. Born on January 11, 1967, in Port Harcourt, he attended schools in Nigeria and abroad, including the University of Lagos, where he studied Architecture and Engineering. After his education, Cole began his career as an architect in Brazil, working on various projects including urban planning and city development. In 1993, he returned to Nigeria and joined Empresa Sul Americana de Montagens S.A. (EMSA), a Brazilian Civil Engineering Company, as the Director of Operations.

During his time there, he was involved in significant projects, including a World Bank-financed water project for the Lagos Water Corporation. Cole later ventured into entrepreneurship and became the head of Sahara Energy, a company operating in the oil and gas industry. He has also been actively involved in politics, aspiring to contribute to the development of Rivers State. Tonye Cole’s current estimated net worth is $150 million, thanks to his ventures in architecture, engineering, entrepreneurship, and politics.

5. Atedo Peterside – $120 MILLION

Atedo Peterside Pepple is a Nigerian entrepreneur and banker, born in July 1955. He founded the Investment Banking & Trust Company Limited (IBTC) in February 1989 when he was 33 years old. He served as the CEO of IBTC until 2007. Under his leadership, IBTC grew and complied with a Central Bank of Nigeria order in 2005, which required commercial banks to have a minimum capital base. IBTC then merged with Stanbic Bank Nigeria Limited in September 2007 to form Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, and Peterside became the Chairman of the newly formed bank.

From August 2012, he served as the Group Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc until he resigned in March 2017. Peterside is also the Chairman of Anap Jets Limited since January 2015. Apart from his banking ventures, Peterside is known as a stockbroker and a financial specialist. His contributions to the banking and financial sector have earned him recognition as one of the richest men in Rivers State, with an estimated net worth of $120 million.

6. Emmanuel Georgewill – $100 MILLION

Emmanuel Georgewill is a graduate of mechanical and production engineering from the University of Jos. He is a prominent figure in the Nigerian business industry. Emmanuel Georgewill is the CEO of Cortech Oil Services Nigeria, a position he has held for several years. Throughout his career, Georgewill has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and keen business acumen.

His contributions have earned him widespread recognition and respect, particularly in Rivers State, where he is regarded as one of the richest businessmen. Georgewill’s wealth is estimated to be around $100 million, a testament to his success in the industry.

7. Tein George – $95 MILLION

Tein George is another business tycoon from Rivers State. Starting in the oil and gas sector, he founded Seametric Engineering Ltd, providing design engineering services. Over the years, he expanded his ventures, becoming Chairman of Aveon Offshore Limited Nigeria, a major oil and gas company.

Additionally, he has interests in real estate, notably owning The George Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos. George has an estimated net worth of $95 million. Despite his wealth and success, he maintains a modest lifestyle and prefers to keep a low profile in the media.

8. George Etomi – $90 MILLION

George Etomi is a lawyer and businessman. He is the Principal Partner of George Etomi and Partners, a leading law firm in Nigeria. With over 41 years of experience in the legal profession, he has established himself as a distinguished lawyer. George earned his Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and later obtained a Master of Laws Degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1977. George Etomi has held leadership positions within the legal community, serving as a member of the Body of Benchers, Nigeria’s highest regulatory body for the legal profession. Additionally, he has been actively involved in the Nigeria Bar Association, serving as the Pioneer Chairman of the Section on Business Law. George Etomi has an estimated net worth of $90 million.

9. Tein Jack Rich – $90 MILLION

Tein Jack Rich is a Nigerian businessman whose niche is mainly in the oil industry. He occupies the ninth spot on our list of richest men in Rivers with an estimated net worth of $90 million.

Born and raised in the Niger Delta, Rich established himself as a successful entrepreneur. He founded Belemaoil, Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil Exploration and Production Company.

10. Rotimi Amaechi – $50 Million

Rotimi Amaechi, born on May 27, 1965, is a Nigerian politician. He served as the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007. In 2007, he was elected as the Governor of Rivers State, a position he held until 2015. During his tenure as governor, he focused on infrastructural development and education reforms.

In 2015, Amaechi was appointed as the Minister of Transportation in Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet. He served in this role until 2022. Amaechi has an estimated net worth of $50 million.

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Conclusion

From CEOs of industries to prominent politicians, the list of the richest men in Rivers contains individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s economy.

These men have leveraged their expertise and resources to establish thriving businesses, create employment opportunities, and drive innovation across various sectors.