Top 11 Richest Igbo Men In Nigeria 2024

The Igbo, Nigeria's most industrious tribe, boasts a rich lineage of successful individuals. Their presence extends beyond Nigeria to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. The origins of the Igbo remain shrouded in mystery, sparking various historical debates. Genetic studies suggest their closest relations lie within the Niger-Congo language family.

Renowned for their diligence and aspiration for prosperity, Igbo men and women form one of Nigeria's most populous tribes. This article shines a light on the wealthiest Igbo men, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to success.

Richest Igbo Men In Nigeria And Their Net Worth 2024

• Arthur Eze
• Cletus Ibeto
• Benedict Peters
• Emeka Offor
• Tony Elumelu
• Ifeanyi Uba
• Allen Onyema
• Emmanuel Uba
• Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma
• Orji Uzor Kalu
• Rochas Okorocha

1. Arthur Eze

Arthur Eze, a prominent figure in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, serves as the CEO of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, one of Nigeria's largest privately held oil companies. He hails from Anambra State and attended St. Augustine Secondary School in Nkwere, Imo State, before furthering his studies in mechanical and chemical engineering at California State University. Known as "Ozoigbondu" in Igbo culture, Arthur Eze is also a member of the royal family. He is estimated to have a net worth of $5.8 billion, making him one of Nigeria's wealthiest Igbo individuals.

2. Cletus Ibeto

Cletus Ibeto, born on December 6th, 1952, in Nnewi, Anambra State, ranks second among the wealthiest Igbo men in Nigeria. Despite humble beginnings, he has risen to become one of the richest Igbo individuals. Initially focusing on selling motor spare parts, Ibeto has diversified his business interests into banking, real estate, cement production, and vehicle couplings. His IBETO Group is a leading producer of automotive replacement parts in Nigeria. With a net worth of $3.8 billion, Cletus Ibeto is one of the richest Igbo men globally, thanks to his successful enterprises. He is also renowned for founding Innoson Motors, a well-known Nigerian carmaker, and owns numerous vehicles produced by the company.

3. Benedict Peters

Benedict Peters, a wealthy businessman, ranks among the richest Igbo individuals in Nigeria. He is the founder and CEO of Aiteo Group, a prominent company in the oil and gas sector. Born in Ebonyi State and raised in Delta State, Peters earned a degree in geography and urban planning from the University of Benin.

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In Igboland, Benedict Peters is considered one of the wealthiest individuals. His company, Aiteo Group, owns Oil Mining Lease 29 (OML) and the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) in the Eastern Niger Delta. Benedict Peters, a father of four and a devoted spouse, is estimated to be worth $3.3 billion.

4. Emeka Offor

Emeka Offor, born on February 10th, 1957, in Ekwusigo LGA, Kaduna State, despite being a native of Irefi Oraifite, is renowned for his philanthropy and financial success. He received crucial advice and funding from Pa Abadi, enabling him to import his first batch of bitumen through Rivways Lines Nigeria Ltd. Within two years, he began supplying large construction companies like Julius Berger Nig. Ltd, Fougerolle Nigeria Ltd, and Guffanti Nigeria Ltd.

Emeka Offor's commitment to business has resulted in a net worth estimated at $2.9 billion, making him one of the wealthiest Igbo individuals in Nigeria.

5. Tony Elumelu

Tony Elumelu, a Nigerian business magnate, is estimated to be worth $1.4 billion. He served as the CEO of UBA before founding Heirs Holdings, his own business conglomerate. Elumelu is also known for establishing the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which provides startup funding to numerous African entrepreneurs.

During his tenure at UBA, Elumelu played a pivotal role in transforming the bank from a Nigerian entity to one with a presence in 19 African countries. A graduate of Harvard Business School, he is recognized for his contributions to nonprofit and governmental institutions. His investments span across various sectors including financial services, real estate, tourism, agriculture, and healthcare, all managed by Heirs Holdings.

6. Ifeanyi Ubah

Ifeanyi Ubah, a prominent figure in Nigeria, is known for his roles as a businessman, investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is the owner of the Nigerian football team Ifeanyi Ubah F.C. and is deeply passionate about sports. Ubah is the CEO and owner of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, a leading oil and gas business in Nigeria. His journey to wealth began with selling tire supplies and vehicle replacement parts.

Driven by his passion for the industry, Ubah expanded his business beyond Nigeria, exporting tires to countries such as Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. His current net worth is estimated to be $1.7 billion.

7. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema 

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Allen Ifechukwu Onyema is a notable figure known for his dedication to peacekeeping among ethnic groups, particularly amidst calls for Nigeria's breakup due to racial or ethnic tensions. Regarded as a "Conflict Resolution Expert," he has garnered admiration for his philanthropic initiatives, which have endeared him to many Nigerians.

With an estimated net worth of $3 billion, Allen Ifechukwu Onyema is the founder of Air Peace Airlines. He is often seen with a variety of vehicles, including a Rolls Royce, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a Landcruiser Prado, and a 2019 Toyota Hilux, reflecting his success in the aviation industry.

8. Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba

Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba, popularly known as Andy Uba, was elected as the senator for the Anambra South Senatorial District of Nigeria in April 2011 under the People's Democratic Party (PDP). Born on December 14th, 1958, in Enugu, he attended Boys High School in Awkunanaw. His ancestry can be traced to Uga in the Aguata LGA of Anambra State.

While Emmanuel Uba claims to have attended Concordia University, the university has refuted this claim, stating that their records show a certain Emmanuel Uba was admitted to the foundation but did not complete the course.

Senator Emmanuel Andy Uba is currently estimated to have a net worth of $2.1 billion.

9. Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma

Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and businessman. He is the founder of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing, the first automaker in Africa, and serves as the chairman of the Innoson Group of Companies. Born on October 1, 1961, in Uru-Umdim, Nnewi, Anambra State, Innocent Chukwuma is the youngest of six siblings, with four brothers and two sisters. His mother, Martina Chukwuma, was a homemaker, while his father, Chukwuma Mojekwu, worked for the government.

Innocent Chukwuma started his business by trading in cruiser spare parts and has since become a prominent figure in Nigeria's car manufacturing sector. As the founder of Africa's largest automobile manufacturer, he is estimated to have a net worth of $1 billion.

10. Orji Uzor Kalu

Orji Uzor Kalu is the founder of Slok Holding, a West African conglomerate with interests in shipping, banking, oil trading, manufacturing, and media. His entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 19 after being expelled from a Nigerian university for leading student riots.

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Starting with a loan of $35 from his mother, Kalu traded commodities such as palm oil, rice, and sugar. By the age of 20, he had diversified into transportation and furniture production. His fortunes soared in the early 1980s when the Nigerian military government awarded him lucrative contracts to import and supply arms and ammunition to Nigeria's military and defense forces.

Kalu, a former governor of Abia State in Nigeria's southeast, saw a decrease in his net worth according to Forbes, attributed to challenges in the oil industry and a decline in real estate prices. He married Ms. Ifeoma Ada Menakaya in December 1989 in his hometown of Igbere, Abia State, and they have four children together: Nicole Uzor Kalu, Michael Uzor Kalu, Olivia Uzor Kalu, and Neya Uzor Kalu. Orji Uzor Kalu is estimated to have a net worth of $3.2 billion.

11. Rochas Okorocha

One of the wealthiest politicians is from Imo State in the southeast of Nigeria, and Rochas Okorocha is recognized as the richest politician in Nigeria for the calendar year 2018. He had a successful business career before entering politics

Rochas ran for governor of Imo State in the governorship elections in 2011 and 2015, winning both times. Additionally, he is the creator of the Rochas Foundation, a group that runs exclusive institutions for the less fortunate members of society. According to estimates, Rochas is worth a staggering $1.5 billion.

In conclusion, the Igbo people stand out as one of Nigeria's most industrious and productive ethnic groups. Their resilience and hard work have consistently produced multimillionaires and billionaires, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success.

To achieve success in life, it's crucial to fully immerse yourself in your endeavors and never give up on yourself. The success stories of these wealthy Igbo individuals serve as a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.