The Top 10 Richest Men In Zamfara State
Zamfara State, nestled in Nigeria’s northwest, is known for its rich cultural heritage, expansive agricultural potential, and abundance of mineral resources—especially gold. While the state has often made headlines for its political and security challenges, it is also home to a number of influential individuals who have built significant wealth through politics, business, and entrepreneurship.
In this blog post, we explore the top 10 richest men in Zamfara State as of 2025. These men have left a lasting impact on the state through their financial success, leadership, and investments in sectors such as mining, construction, agriculture, telecommunications, and governance.
Let’s take a closer look at these influential figures and how they accumulated their wealth.
1. Bello Matawalle
Estimated Net Worth: $187 Million
Bello Matawalle is not only a prominent politician but also one of the wealthiest individuals from Zamfara State. He served as Governor from 2019 to 2023 and is currently the Minister of State for Defence in Nigeria. However, his wealth isn’t solely tied to politics.
Matawalle has extensive business interests, including real estate investments, luxury car dealerships, and printing businesses. His involvement in various private ventures both in Nigeria and abroad has significantly contributed to his financial portfolio, making him the richest man in Zamfara State.
His ability to balance public service with entrepreneurship has earned him a reputation for both governance and business acumen.
2. Mukhtar Shehu Idris
Estimated Net Worth: ₦10 Billion
Mukhtar Shehu Idris is a key political and business figure in Zamfara. Though his brief tenure as Governor was cut short due to electoral disputes, he has maintained a strong presence in both the political and business landscapes.
Idris has significant interests in real estate, agriculture, and mining—industries that are booming in Zamfara State. His leadership style and strategic investments have not only elevated his personal wealth but also contributed to the local economy.
Idris is often praised for his commitment to youth empowerment and rural development through entrepreneurship support.
3. Mahmud Shinkafi
Estimated Net Worth: ₦6.5 Billion
Mahmud Shinkafi is a seasoned politician who served as Governor of Zamfara State from 2007 to 2011. During his time in office, he focused on infrastructural development and education. Outside politics, Shinkafi ventured into the construction and hospitality industries.
His business pursuits, especially in northern Nigeria’s urban centers, have grown significantly over the years. His wealth reflects a blend of public service experience and private investment wisdom, making him one of Zamfara’s wealthiest sons.
4. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi
Estimated Net Worth: ₦6 Billion
Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, a relative of Mahmud Shinkafi, is another influential name in Zamfara politics and business. Known for his outspoken nature and active role in political discourse, Sani also operates successful businesses in telecommunications and real estate.
He is often credited with leveraging his political influence to promote infrastructural development and investment in Zamfara. His ability to pivot between politics and business has helped him build a substantial fortune.
5. Ahmed Sani Yerima
Estimated Net Worth: ₦5.5 Billion
Ahmed Sani Yerima made history as the first executive Governor of Zamfara State from 1999 to 2007. He is widely known for implementing Sharia law in the state—a controversial move that brought both praise and criticism.
However, Yerima's wealth comes from more than just politics. He has interests in transportation, real estate, and mining—especially gold mining, a major sector in Zamfara. His political influence and business investments have earned him a place among the state’s richest personalities.
6. Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar
Estimated Net Worth: ₦5 Billion
Abdul’aziz Yari was Governor of Zamfara State from 2011 to 2019. He has remained a central figure in Nigerian politics even after leaving office. His administration was known for infrastructure development, although it was not without controversies.
In terms of wealth, Yari has made significant investments in agriculture, especially large-scale farming, as well as gold mining and construction. These business ventures, combined with political influence, have solidified his status as one of the wealthiest men from Zamfara.
7. Kabir Garba Marafa
Estimated Net Worth: ₦4.5 Billion
Kabir Garba Marafa is a former Senator who represented Zamfara Central in the Nigerian Senate. Known for his fiery debates and strong opinions, Marafa is also a savvy businessman.
His business interests include oil and gas, agriculture, and logistics. He has used his political platform to support local investment initiatives, and his wealth has grown considerably over the past decade. Marafa is considered a leading voice in pushing for accountability and transparency in governance.
8. Muhammad Dan Ali
Estimated Net Worth: ₦4 Billion
Brigadier General (Retired) Muhammad Dan Ali served as Nigeria’s Minister of Defence from 2015 to 2019. A respected figure in both the military and political arenas, Dan Ali has also made successful strides in business since his retirement.
His ventures include commercial agriculture, telecommunications infrastructure, and manufacturing. Known for his strategic mindset, Dan Ali continues to influence security policy while expanding his economic footprint in the state and beyond.
9. Aliyu Mohammed Gusau
Estimated Net Worth: ₦3.5 Billion
General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (Rtd.) is one of Nigeria’s most respected security chiefs, having served as National Security Adviser under multiple administrations. Though he hails from Gusau, the capital of Zamfara State, his influence spans the entire nation.
Outside public service, Gusau has invested in mining, especially gold, as well as logistics and agribusiness. His quiet yet powerful business presence places him among the wealthiest men in Zamfara, especially considering the value of his mining operations.
10. Sadiya Umar Farouk (Honorable Mention)
Estimated Net Worth: ₦3 Billion
Although not a man, Sadiya Umar Farouk deserves an honorable mention due to her significant influence and wealth. She served as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development from 2019 to 2023.
A Zamfara native, Farouk has overseen billions in federal social investment programs and has invested in social enterprises, education, and housing for low-income families. Her estimated net worth is around ₦3 billion, making her one of the wealthiest public servants from the state.
Final Thoughts
Zamfara State is often underrepresented when discussions around Nigeria’s wealthiest states come up. However, as this list shows, the state is home to powerful individuals whose fortunes were built through a combination of politics, entrepreneurship, and strategic investments.
These top 10 richest men (and one honorable woman) in Zamfara State have demonstrated resilience, vision, and economic influence. Their wealth tells a broader story of opportunities in northern Nigeria—from gold mining to agriculture, real estate, and governance.
As Zamfara continues to evolve, these individuals will likely remain key players in its socio-economic transformation, serving as role models and stakeholders in its future development.
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