The Richest Men In Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom State, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, has consistently ranked as one of the nation’s most economically viable states. Its wealth is largely driven by its oil and gas resources, but beyond its natural resources lies a cadre of influential individuals whose business acumen, political power, and entrepreneurial exploits have earned them great fortunes.
From seasoned politicians to innovative entrepreneurs, the richest men in Akwa Ibom State have made their marks across various sectors of the economy. This blog post takes an in-depth look at the top ten wealthiest men in the state as of 2025, detailing their net worth, business ventures, and the impact they have had on the state and beyond.
1. Akanimo Asuquo Udofia – Oil and Gas Tycoon
Topping the list is Akanimo Asuquo Udofia, widely acknowledged as the richest man in Akwa Ibom State. Born on June 18, 1969, in Afaha Offiong, Nsit Ibom LGA, Akan Udofia is a heavyweight in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. He is the CEO and Managing Director of Desicon Engineering Limited, a company that has executed projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars for oil majors like ExxonMobil and Chevron.
Udofia has built a reputation not only for wealth but for philanthropy and community development. He has contributed to healthcare, education, and sports development in Akwa Ibom. With a reported net worth exceeding $1 billion, his business portfolio continues to expand, and he remains a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector.
2. Godswill Akpabio – Political Strategist with Business Interests
Godswill Obot Akpabio, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom and current President of the Nigerian Senate, is one of the most influential figures in the state. With an estimated net worth of $380 million, Akpabio’s wealth stems from both his political influence and investments in real estate and other businesses.
During his time as governor (2007–2015), Akpabio transformed the state with massive infrastructure development, earning him the nickname “Uncommon Transformer.” His political reach and strategic positioning at the national level have helped solidify his financial base and ensure his continued relevance.
3. Senator Ita Enang – Legal Mind and Political Stalwart
Ita Solomon Enang is a lawyer and seasoned politician who has served in both chambers of Nigeria’s National Assembly. With an estimated net worth of $300 million, Senator Enang's fortune has grown from his long-standing political career and strategic investments.
He has served as Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters and is known for being a policy strategist. His investments span real estate, agriculture, and consulting services, and he remains a respected voice in Akwa Ibom’s political landscape.
4. Senator Udo Udoma – Corporate Legal Icon
Another wealthy son of Akwa Ibom is Udo Udoma, a former Minister of Budget and National Planning and a seasoned lawyer. As co-founder of Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, one of Nigeria’s top commercial law firms, Udoma has worked with numerous multinational corporations and government agencies.
He has also served on the boards of major corporations, including UAC of Nigeria and Union Bank. His estimated net worth stands at $270 million. Beyond politics and law, Udoma is regarded as a key figure in Nigeria’s corporate governance and economic planning circles.
5. Udom Emmanuel – Banker Turned Public Servant
Udom Emmanuel, the immediate past governor of Akwa Ibom State (2015–2023), is a technocrat with deep roots in Nigeria’s banking sector. Before entering politics, he held top positions at Zenith Bank, including Chief Financial Officer.
Emmanuel’s tenure as governor focused on industrialization, and he spearheaded the establishment of industries such as syringe manufacturing, coconut oil processing, and aviation projects like Ibom Air. With an estimated net worth of $250 million, Emmanuel continues to play a behind-the-scenes role in Akwa Ibom’s economic development.
6. Obong Victor Attah – Visionary Leader and Pioneer Governor
Obong Victor Bassey Attah was the first civilian governor of Akwa Ibom State (1999–2007). A trained architect, Attah’s vision laid the groundwork for much of the development the state enjoys today.
After his tenure, he ventured into business, with interests in real estate, construction, and oil and gas consultancy. His leadership style and business dealings have kept him financially relevant. His net worth is estimated at $230 million, and he remains a respected elder statesman in Nigeria.
7. Senator Aloysius Etok – Lawmaker and Businessman
Aloysius Etok, who represented Akwa Ibom North-West in the Nigerian Senate, has used his political platform to influence both governance and business development. With investments in agriculture, transportation, and real estate, Etok’s net worth is pegged at around $200 million.
His legislative career helped shape public policy, but his post-legislative ventures have earned him substantial financial returns. He also supports youth empowerment and agricultural development initiatives in the state.
8. Senator Bassey Albert Akpan – From Banking Halls to Senate Chambers
Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, popularly known as OBA, is another influential figure whose wealth and political clout extend across Akwa Ibom and Nigeria. Before entering politics, he had a successful career in banking, working with institutions like FCMB and UBA.
As a senator representing Akwa Ibom North-East, Akpan has remained a vocal advocate for youth development, education, and public infrastructure. With an estimated net worth of $190 million, he combines his financial background with legislative acumen.
9. Nsima Ekere – Former NDDC MD and Business Strategist
Nsima Udo Ekere served as Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), where he supervised several development projects across the region. A businessman and engineer, Ekere previously held positions in the private sector and Akwa Ibom State government.
He also ran for governor under the All Progressives Congress (APC) and remains an active political figure. His estimated net worth of $170 million comes from real estate, oil services, and engineering consultancy.
10. Unyime Josiah Idem – The Telecom and Tech Entrepreneur
Unyime Josiah Idem rounds out the top 10 richest men in Akwa Ibom. As the founder and CEO of Idems Ultimate Ltd, he has built a telecom empire with branches in multiple Nigerian states. His business extends to oil and gas, ICT, and real estate.
A member of the House of Representatives, Idem also focuses on empowering youths through digital skills training and business support. His estimated net worth is $150 million, and he remains a powerful voice for entrepreneurship in the state.
Final Thoughts
Akwa Ibom is not only blessed with natural resources but also with enterprising individuals who have leveraged their knowledge, networks, and business sense to become some of the richest in Nigeria. Whether through politics, oil and gas, law, or entrepreneurship, these men have not only built wealth for themselves but also contributed to the economic and social advancement of the state.
Their stories serve as a source of inspiration for the younger generation, proving that with the right mix of ambition, discipline, and opportunity, success is achievable even from humble beginnings.
Post A Comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 Comments