The Richest Men In Borno State
Borno State, located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, is often recognized for its resilience amidst years of insurgency and humanitarian crises. However, beyond the headlines, the state has produced numerous influential and wealthy individuals who have not only achieved financial success but have also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic, political, and social development.
From oil magnates and industrialists to seasoned politicians and global technocrats, the richest men in Borno State are shining examples of success against the odds. This blog post dives into the lives and journeys of these notable individuals, exploring how they built their wealth and their impact on the state and the nation at large.
1. Mohammed Indimi – Oil Tycoon and Philanthropist
Arguably the most prominent businessman from Borno State, Mohammed Indimi is a name that resonates in both Nigeria’s oil industry and philanthropic circles. Born in Maiduguri in 1947, Indimi began life as a trader of animal hides and skins, a business he inherited from his father. Over time, he transitioned into the oil and gas industry, founding Oriental Energy Resources Limited in 1990.
Oriental Energy is now a major player in Nigeria’s upstream oil sector, with assets in several oil blocks including OML 115, OML 67, and OPL 224. Through calculated investments and long-term vision, Indimi has grown his business into a multibillion-naira enterprise. His estimated net worth is over $500 million, making him one of the richest individuals in Northern Nigeria.
Indimi is also well known for his philanthropic efforts. His Mohammed Indimi Foundation has built homes for internally displaced persons (IDPs), sponsored students through university education, and supported healthcare initiatives across Borno and other states. He stands as a symbol of wealth built through resilience, smart business moves, and giving back to society.
2. Ali Modu Sheriff – Political Stalwart with Business Roots
Another highly influential figure from Borno is Ali Modu Sheriff, a two-term former governor of the state and one of Nigeria’s most experienced politicians. Born into a wealthy family, Sheriff began his career in the family’s construction business and later founded his own companies such as Union Chase and Merril Organization.
Sheriff made history as the first Borno State governor to be elected for two consecutive terms (2003–2011), and he has held key roles within Nigeria's major political parties, including a stint as chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His influence in politics, coupled with his business investments, places his estimated net worth at over $50 million.
Despite controversies and political shifts, Ali Modu Sheriff remains a key player in Nigerian politics and business, with interests in real estate, agriculture, and construction.
3. Mele Kyari – Technocrat Leading Nigeria’s Oil Giant
Mele Kolo Kyari, hailing from Borno State, is one of Nigeria’s most important oil industry executives. He currently serves as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), a role he assumed in 2019.
Kyari’s journey began in the Nigerian oil sector over two decades ago, and he rose through the ranks due to his expertise in crude oil marketing and resource management. As the head of the NNPC, he has overseen reforms in the sector, including the transition of the company into a commercially driven entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
While his exact net worth is not publicly available, his strategic position and influence in the global oil market place him among the most powerful and wealthiest individuals from Borno State.
4. Dr. Zaynab Alkali – Intellectual Wealth and Influence
Though not traditionally ranked by financial wealth, Dr. Zaynab Alkali deserves mention for her profound intellectual and cultural wealth. A renowned Nigerian novelist and educationist, she is regarded as the first female novelist from Northern Nigeria.
Born in Tura-Wazila, Borno State, Zaynab’s literary works have earned her national and international acclaim. Her novels, including The Stillborn and The Virtuous Woman, explore themes of gender, tradition, and progress, inspiring generations of African readers.
As a former university lecturer and vice-chancellor, Alkali’s contributions to academia and literature cannot be quantified by wealth alone. She represents the richness of thought and the power of the pen in transforming societies.
5. Umar Usman Kadafur – Deputy Governor and Political Influencer
Umar Usman Kadafur, born on May 31, 1976, is the current Deputy Governor of Borno State. With a background in public administration and grassroots politics, Kadafur has played a central role in rebuilding and governing the state during turbulent times.
While his personal wealth might not rival that of major business moguls, his access to power, influence in state contracts, and political leverage place him among Borno’s most prominent figures. Like many in Nigerian politics, his role in governance has economic implications that contribute to his financial stature.
6. Abubakar Kyari – Lawmaker Turned Minister
Abubakar Kyari is another influential political figure from Borno. He served as the Senator for Borno North from 2015 to 2022 before being appointed Minister of Agriculture and Food Security in President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
His political journey spans decades, and he is known for his quiet yet impactful style. Kyari’s influence extends to policymaking, rural development, and food security initiatives. With several investments and his political background, he ranks among the state’s wealthiest public officials.
7. Yahaya Adamu – Sporting Success from the Northeast
Breaking into a different industry, Yahaya Adamu is a professional footballer from Borno State who has made a name for himself in international football. Born in 1993, Adamu played for Naft Al-Janoob SC in the Iraqi Premier League and has previously represented clubs in Nigeria.
Though not as wealthy as oil magnates or politicians, Adamu’s earnings from football and endorsements make him one of the few from the state to succeed on an international sports platform. He is also a role model for many young athletes in Borno.
8. Late Alhaji Mai Deribe – The Original Billionaire of Borno
No list of Borno's wealthiest is complete without mentioning Alhaji Mai Deribe, one of the most iconic billionaires to come from the state. Though he passed away decades ago, his legacy lives on.
Mai Deribe was known for his extravagant lifestyle, famously owning a gold-marbled mansion in Maiduguri and a customized Gulfstream G550 jet in the 1980s—when few Africans even dreamed of such luxuries. His wealth, which came from trading, oil, and construction, was legendary and remains a benchmark for wealth in Northern Nigeria.
Final Thoughts
The richest men in Borno State come from various sectors—oil and gas, politics, literature, sports, and more. Their wealth has been shaped by hard work, strategic investments, education, and public service. While Borno continues to rebuild from years of insecurity, these individuals exemplify the state's resilience and potential.
From Mohammed Indimi’s oil empire to Mele Kyari’s leadership at NNPC and the cultural legacy of Zaynab Alkali, Borno’s wealthy elite are not just financially prosperous but also instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s future.
As the region progresses, there’s hope that more young men and women from Borno will rise to success, transforming the narrative and building on the legacies of these pioneers.
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