The Richest Men In Delta State
Delta State, nestled in Nigeria’s oil-rich South-South region, is renowned for its vast natural resources, cultural diversity, and contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth. Beyond its oil fields and riverine beauty, the state is also home to some of Nigeria’s most accomplished and wealthiest individuals. These men have built empires across multiple sectors, from oil and gas to banking, telecommunications, real estate, and law. Their success stories serve as both an inspiration and a testament to the potential that lies within Nigeria's entrepreneurial and professional landscape.
In this post, we spotlight ten of the richest men in Delta State as of 2025. We'll take a closer look at their backgrounds, business journeys, estimated net worths, and the industries that contributed to their wealth.
1. Benedict Peters – The Oil and Gas Mogul
Benedict Peters is the undisputed wealth leader in Delta State and one of Nigeria’s most powerful figures in the energy sector. Born in Onicha Oloma in Delta State in 1966, Peters built his career in Nigeria’s highly competitive oil and gas industry. He founded Aiteo Group in 2008 after working with major energy firms like Ocean and Oil Limited.
Under his leadership, Aiteo Group has grown into one of the largest indigenous oil exploration companies in Africa. The company holds operational rights in OML 29 and is a key player in oil trading and gas production. Benedict Peters’ business empire has expanded beyond energy to include real estate and agriculture.
His estimated net worth is over $2.7 billion, making him not only the richest man in Delta but also one of Nigeria’s wealthiest businessmen. Despite facing legal battles and investigations over the years, Peters has maintained a low profile while building a multinational enterprise.
2. Tony Elumelu – The Entrepreneurial Icon
Born in Jos to Delta parents from Onicha-Ukwu in Aniocha North LGA, Tony Elumelu is one of the most respected business leaders in Africa. A former bank clerk, he rose to prominence after acquiring and turning around Standard Trust Bank, which later merged with United Bank for Africa (UBA).
Elumelu is the Chairman of UBA Group, Heirs Holdings, and Transcorp, and he is also the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which has empowered thousands of African entrepreneurs. His belief in “Africapitalism”—the idea that the private sector can drive development—has made him a role model for young African business people.
Elumelu's wealth, largely derived from banking, investments, and energy, is estimated at $1.5 billion.
3. Jim Ovia – Zenith Bank’s Mastermind
Jim Ovia, born in Agbor, Delta State, is the founder of Zenith Bank, one of Nigeria’s most profitable and respected banks. With degrees in Business Administration and an MBA from the University of Louisiana, Ovia created Zenith Bank in 1990. His innovative leadership helped the bank grow into a multinational institution with branches in several countries.
Besides banking, Jim Ovia is a major player in Nigeria’s real estate and ICT sectors. He owns significant shares in Visafone (before its acquisition by MTN) and is the author of the book Africa Rise and Shine, which chronicles his journey in building a billion-dollar business.
His net worth is estimated at $980 million, placing him among the richest and most influential men in Delta State.
4. Igho Sanomi – The Multi-sector Entrepreneur
Born in 1975 in Agbor, Igho Sanomi is a businessman and philanthropist who made his fortune in oil trading, real estate, telecommunications, and shipping. He is the founder and CEO of Taleveras Group, a company involved in crude oil marketing, power, and infrastructure.
Sanomi gained attention in the early 2000s as a young and dynamic entrepreneur navigating Nigeria’s complex oil and gas market. He quickly rose to prominence, and despite fluctuations in the industry, he remains a significant figure in the Nigerian business community.
His net worth is estimated at around $900 million, and he is known for his philanthropic work in education and health.
5. Ned Nwoko – The Legal Brain and Politician
Prince Ned Nwoko is a lawyer, politician, and businessman born in Idumuje-Ugboko, Delta State. After practicing law in the UK, he returned to Nigeria and was elected into the House of Representatives in 1999. Nwoko is best known for initiating the refund of Paris Club debt overpayments to Nigerian states, a legal move that earned him billions.
In addition to his legal career, Nwoko has investments in tourism, agriculture, and real estate. He is the owner of Mount Ned, a massive estate in his hometown, which houses a sports university and a wellness resort under construction.
His estimated net worth stands at $700 million, and he is also recognized for his philanthropic and cultural development efforts in Delta.
6. Ayiri Emami – The Influential Itsekiri Businessman
Ayiri Emami is a well-known businessman and traditional chief from the Itsekiri ethnic group in Warri. His businesses span oil servicing, logistics, and security services in the Niger Delta region. Emami has long-standing contracts with major oil companies and has been influential in mediating between oil firms and host communities.
Aside from his wealth, Emami is known for his flamboyant lifestyle, philanthropic projects, and strong ties to traditional institutions in Delta State. His net worth is estimated at $400 million.
7. Kenneth Bramor – The Private Billionaire
Kenneth Bramor is one of the lesser-known yet extremely wealthy businessmen from Delta State. He is the CEO of Clint Wealth Nigeria Ltd, an oil and gas servicing firm. He also reportedly works in a senior capacity at Saipem, a multinational energy services company.
Despite his substantial wealth—estimated at $500 million—Bramor maintains a low public profile. He made headlines in the past for his lavish wedding to a British model and his acquisition of luxury cars and private jets.
8. Emmanuel Emoefe – The Maritime Businessman
Emmanuel Emoefe, popularly known as Emma Emoefe, is the founder and CEO of Portplus Limited, a company focused on maritime logistics and port operations. Based in Warri, Portplus handles contracts from both government agencies and private oil companies.
Emoefe has diversified into other industries, including hospitality and property development. His strategic business moves and consistent presence in Delta’s economic landscape earn him a net worth of $100 million.
9. Oskar Ibru – Heir to a Business Empire
Oskar Ibru is a key member of the Ibru family, one of Nigeria’s most established business dynasties. The Ibru Organization has interests in shipping, aviation, fishing, agriculture, and hospitality. Although Oskar did not found the conglomerate, he has played a central role in expanding its reach.
His influence within the business and political environment of Delta State remains strong, and his personal wealth is estimated at several hundred million dollars.
10. Godwin Agofure – The Transport Mogul
Godwin Agofure is the founder and CEO of G. Agofure Motors, one of the largest transportation companies in southern Nigeria. His intercity transport business connects cities across Nigeria, and he has also diversified into logistics and courier services.
Agofure’s ability to scale his business in a highly competitive market makes him one of Delta’s notable entrepreneurs. His wealth, built from humble beginnings, is valued at over $100 million.
Final Thoughts
The richest men in Delta State represent a broad spectrum of industries and success stories. From oil tycoons like Benedict Peters to banking visionaries like Tony Elumelu and Jim Ovia, and entrepreneurs like Ned Nwoko and Godwin Agofure, these individuals have left lasting impacts on the state and Nigeria as a whole.
Their stories reveal that wealth in Delta State is not only about oil but also about innovation, education, strategic investments, and community development. They serve as both financial leaders and cultural icons, inspiring future generations of Deltans to dream big and pursue excellence.
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