Top 10 Richest Men In Cross River State
Cross River State, located in Nigeria’s South-South geopolitical zone, is celebrated for its lush landscapes, tourism potential, and cultural diversity. However, beyond its natural beauty and festivals lies a growing list of successful individuals who have built significant wealth across various sectors. These men are not only affluent but also influential—shaping the political, economic, and social landscapes of the state and the country at large.
In this blog post, we explore the top 10 richest men in Cross River State, detailing their career paths, business empires, and the impact they’ve made both locally and internationally.
1. Donald Duke
Estimated Net Worth: $20 million
Industry: Politics, Business, Entertainment
Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State (1999–2007), remains one of the most celebrated politicians and businessmen from the state. Known for transforming Calabar into a tourism hub through initiatives like the Calabar Carnival and the Tinapa Resort, Duke combined visionary leadership with innovation.
Beyond politics, he has invested in media, entertainment, and real estate. A trained lawyer and entrepreneur, Duke continues to wield influence in both political and business spheres, with an estimated net worth of $20 million.
2. Benedict Ayade
Estimated Net Worth: $15 million
Industry: Politics, Academia, Industrial Development
Professor Benedict Ayade, a professor of environmental microbiology, served as governor of Cross River State from 2015 to 2023. Known for his ambitious industrialization plans, including the Calabar Garment Factory and rice mills across the state, Ayade's administration focused on economic diversification.
He also built his wealth through academic research, consultancy, and ownership stakes in private businesses before entering politics. With his keen intellect and entrepreneurial flair, Ayade remains one of the state’s wealthiest men.
3. Walter Onnoghen
Estimated Net Worth: $12 million
Industry: Judiciary, Legal Consultancy
Walter Samuel Nkanu Onnoghen, a native of Cross River, served as the Chief Justice of Nigeria until 2019. As the head of the judiciary, he reached the pinnacle of legal authority in the country, gaining both influence and wealth along the way.
Onnoghen has since retired, but his years of legal service, investments in real estate, and consultative roles in international legal circles contribute to his estimated fortune.
4. High Chief Higgins Peters
Estimated Net Worth: $10 million
Industry: Oil & Gas, Politics, Real Estate
Higgins Peters is a major player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. As the chairman and CEO of Opal Group, he has built an empire focused on oil servicing, construction, and real estate.
A strong political ally in the Niger Delta region, Peters combines business prowess with political influence, allowing him access to major contracts and partnerships. He is known for his philanthropic activities across Cross River State.
5. Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo
Estimated Net Worth: $8 million
Industry: Politics, Law, Administration
Fidelis Ugbo has held various federal and state appointments, including Executive Secretary of the National Planning Commission. A lawyer by training, he has built a solid career in public administration and private consultancy.
Through years of service in government and the private sector, Ugbo has earned wealth and experience, making him one of Cross River State’s respected elite.
6. Chris Agara
Estimated Net Worth: $7 million
Industry: Oil & Gas, Infrastructure, Politics
Chris Agara is a well-known entrepreneur and politician from Cross River State. He is deeply involved in oil and gas, logistics, and infrastructure development. Agara is known for being a close associate of former governor Liyel Imoke and a strategic businessman.
His wealth is rooted in years of consistent participation in high-value contracts, particularly in the Niger Delta region. His real estate investments also contribute significantly to his portfolio.
7. Gershom Bassey
Estimated Net Worth: $6.5 million
Industry: Politics, Construction, Real Estate
Gershom Bassey is a senator and a longstanding political figure in Cross River State. A key member of the influential Bassey family, he has strong roots in Calabar and has maintained a successful business and political career.
Before his political rise, he managed construction and real estate firms, including being associated with prominent companies involved in public infrastructure development. His wealth and influence continue to shape policy and development within the state.
8. Liyel Imoke
Estimated Net Worth: $6 million
Industry: Politics, Legal Practice, Consultancy
Senator Liyel Imoke served as the governor of Cross River State from 2007 to 2015. Prior to that, he was Minister of Power and Steel under President Obasanjo. Imoke comes from a political dynasty and has built a name for himself through decades of public service and strategic investment.
He is also a lawyer and consultant with ties to international organizations and NGOs. Imoke remains a respected figure in governance and development in Nigeria.
9. Eyo Ekpo
Estimated Net Worth: $4 million
Industry: Energy, Law, Public Policy
Eyo Ekpo is a lawyer and energy consultant who once served as the Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State and later as a key stakeholder in Nigeria’s power sector reforms. His technical expertise in energy regulation and project financing has seen him work with various international organizations.
Ekpo also ran for governor in the 2019 elections under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). His wealth is largely tied to consultancy, policy advisory, and investments in power and renewable energy projects.
10. John Owan Enoh
Estimated Net Worth: $3.5 million
Industry: Politics, Agriculture, Education
John Owan Enoh is a seasoned politician who has served in both the House of Representatives and the Nigerian Senate. He is also a major player in agriculture, running large-scale farms in Cross River and other parts of Nigeria.
Enoh holds degrees in economics and has also lectured at the University of Calabar. He has combined his academic background with business intelligence to build a strong presence in agribusiness and public service.
Final Thoughts
Cross River State may be better known for its cultural festivities and scenic beauty, but it is also home to a class of highly successful and wealthy individuals. These men have risen through the ranks of politics, law, business, and academia to become not only affluent but also instrumental in the state’s socio-economic transformation.
Whether through building multimillion-dollar companies, shaping government policy, or contributing to the state’s development through philanthropy, these top 10 richest men exemplify what it means to lead with influence and vision.
Their stories are not only inspirational but also a reminder of the potential within Nigeria’s subnational entities to produce global players. As Cross River continues to grow, so too will the impact of these men on the state, Nigeria, and even the wider African continent.
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