Fulani, Ibibio, 8 other wealthiest tribes in Nigeria

Nigeria, often called the “Giant of Africa,” is renowned for its vast population and immense cultural diversity.

With over 371 ethnic groups, the country boasts a rich blend of traditions, languages, and histories.

Among these, certain tribes stand out not only for their cultural significance but also for their economic influence.

While Nigeria’s three largest ethnic groups, Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa dominate discussions about wealth, several other tribes also hold significant economic power.

From trade and commerce to oil and banking, these tribes have produced some of the richest individuals in Nigeria.

In this article, we explore the top 10 richest tribes in Nigeria, their contributions to the economy, and some of their most influential and wealthiest personalities.

1. Igbo

The Igbo tribe, predominantly found in southeastern Nigeria, is widely regarded as the most entrepreneurial ethnic group in the country.

They are known for their strong business culture, resilience, and ability to create wealth from the ground up. Many Igbos excel in trading, import/export, manufacturing, and technology.

Unlike other tribes that rely on government influence or oil wealth, Igbos are largely self-made millionaires and billionaires.

The Igbo tribe dominates Nigeria’s retail and wholesale markets, with major trading hubs like Onitsha, Aba, Alaba, and Nnewi serving as commercial powerhouses.

Igbo entrepreneurs also control key sectors such as transportation, banking, real estate, and auto manufacturing.

Some renowned Igbo personalities are

Arthur Eze:  Oil tycoon and founder of Atlas Oranto Petroleum.

Allen Onyema:  CEO of Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest private airline.

Obi Cubana: Billionaire businessman and nightlife entrepreneur.

Cosmas Maduka: Founder of Coscharis Group, a leader in the auto industry.

Innocent Ifediaso Chukwuma: Founder of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing.

Orji Uzor Kalu: Politician, businessman, and media mogul, amongst others.

With their ability to turn small businesses into massive enterprises, the Igbo tribe leads as the wealthiest ethnic group in Nigeria.

2. Yoruba

The Yoruba tribe,  mainly found in southwestern Nigeria, combines traditional business acumen with corporate and political influence.

Yorubas have a long history of trade, banking, and academic excellence, which has given them dominance in Nigeria’s corporate and financial sectors.

Yorubas have a strong presence in banking, telecommunications, oil, real estate, and education.

Cities like Lagos, Ibadan, and Abeokuta are economic hubs, attracting major investments and businesses. Yoruba professionals also dominate Nigeria’s media, technology, and legal sectors.

Some renowned Yoruba personalities are;

Mike Adenuga: Founder of Globacom and Conoil, worth over $7.8 billion.

Femi Otedola: Oil mogul, investor, and former owner of Forte Oil.

Folorunsho Alakija:  Oil billionaire and Nigeria’s richest woman.

Tunde Folawiyo:  Billionaire investor with interests in energy and finance.

Jimoh Ibrahim: Business tycoon in oil and financial services.

The Yoruba people continue to thrive in business, media, and governance, making them one of the most powerful tribes in Nigeria.

3. Hausa

The Hausa tribe, predominantly found in northern Nigeria, is the most populous ethnic group in the country.

While traditionally known for agriculture and cattle rearing, the Hausas have built an empire in commerce, politics, and oil.

The Hausa people control major trade routes and markets in Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto, and they play a dominant role in banking, finance, and petroleum.

Additionally, Hausa leaders have shaped Nigeria’s economy through political control, influencing government contracts and large-scale projects.

Wealthiest Hausa personalities are;

Aliko Dangote: Africa’s richest man, CEO of Dangote Group, worth $20 billion.

Sayyu Dantata: Oil tycoon and chairman of MRS Holdings.

With their political influence and control over major industries, the Hausa tribe remains one of Nigeria’s wealthiest groups.

4. Fulani

The Fulani tribe, closely linked with the Hausas, has historically held power in Nigeria. Many Fulani elites have acquired immense wealth through politics, oil, and agriculture.

Fulani leaders have dominated Nigeria’s government and military, using their influence to build strong business empires.

They also control livestock farming, which contributes significantly to the country’s GDP.

Some prominent Fulani personalities are;

Abdulsamad Rabiu: CEO of BUA Group, worth over $7 billion.

Theophilus Danjuma: Former military general and billionaire investor.

Atiku Abubakar: Former vice president and business mogul.

Through a combination of political connections and business expansion, the Fulani tribe maintains its financial dominance.

5. Edo

The Edo tribe, mainly found in southern Nigeria, is known for its rich cultural heritage and economic strength. Edo entrepreneurs have built major business empires in oil, banking, and real estate.

Edo businessmen dominate hospitality, education, and manufacturing, with cities like Benin City serving as major economic hubs.

Renowned Edo personalities;

Gabriel Igbinedion: Billionaire businessman and founder of Igbinedion University.

Mitchell Elegbe:  CEO of Interswitch, a leading African fintech company.

Edo entrepreneurs continue to expand their influence across Nigeria’s financial landscape.

6. Isoko

The Isoko people, found in Delta State, have quietly built strong financial empires, especially in oil and banking.

The Isoko tribe is prominent in petroleum, finance, and real estate, with some of Nigeria’s biggest oil investors coming from this ethnic group.

Prominent Isoko personalities are;

Benedict Peters: CEO of Aiteo Group, worth $1.9 billion.

Tony Elumelu: Chairman of UBA and Heirs Holdings.

Jim Ovia: Founder of Zenith Bank.

Despite being a small tribe, the Isoko people have created wealth through smart investments and strategic leadership.

7. Ijaw

The Ijaw people, mostly from the Niger Delta, control much of Nigeria’s oil wealth. Ijaw leaders dominate the oil sector and government contracts, leveraging the region’s vast natural resources.

Prominent Ijaw personalities are;

Goodluck Jonathan: Former president of Nigeria.

Ekpemupolo (Tompolo):  Former militant leader turned businessman.

Their oil wealth and government influence make the Ijaw tribe one of Nigeria’s richest.

8. Ibibio

The Ibibio people, from Akwa Ibom and Cross River in South South are fast becoming an economic force.

Prominent Ibibio personalities are;

Godswill Akpabio:  Former governor, businessman and Senate president.

The Ibibio tribe continues to grow in influence across multiple industries.

9. Tiv

The Tiv people, found in Benue State, are known for agriculture, politics, and business.

They control a significant portion of Nigeria’s food supply and have influential politicians in government.

Renowned Tiv personalities;

George Akume: Businessman and politician.

The Tiv tribe remains economically strong through farming and government leadership.

10. Kanuri

The Kanuri people, mostly found in Borno, Yobe, and Niger States, have a long history of wealth and power.

Wealthiest Kanuri personalities

Mohammed Indimi: Oil mogul and billionaire