Farming remains one of the oldest and most profitable industries in the world. In Nigeria, agriculture is not just a tradition but also a pathway to building generational wealth. While many Nigerians still view farming as a small-scale activity, some visionaries have turned it into multi-million and even billion-naira businesses.
This article unveils the top 10 richest farmers in Nigeria and their net worth (2025), exploring their inspiring journeys, businesses, achievements, and contributions to the agricultural sector. You will also discover what makes them stand out, their income sources, and how they’ve built their fortunes from the soil.
Why Farming Is Lucrative in Nigeria
Nigeria’s growing population, fertile land, and increasing demand for food make agriculture a powerful economic engine. The country’s agricultural sector contributes over 25% of the GDP, creating millions of jobs and supplying food locally and abroad.
These richest farmers earn from:
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Crop farming (rice, cassava, maize, etc.)
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Livestock (poultry, fishery, cattle)
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Agribusiness exports
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Food processing and value addition
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Large-scale mechanized farming
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Government contracts and private sector partnerships
Now let’s look at those who lead the way in Nigeria’s farming wealth.
Top 10 Richest Farmers in Nigeria and Their Net Worth (2025)
Below is the updated list of Nigeria’s wealthiest farmers in 2025.
1. Aliko Dangote
Estimated Net Worth (From Farming & Agro-business in 2025): ₦950 billion ($700 million)
Although widely known as Africa’s richest man, Dangote is also Nigeria’s largest farmer through his investments in sugarcane, rice, tomato, and fertilizer production. His integrated farms and processing plants feed millions and create thousands of jobs. His rice mills and tomato paste factories have made him a key figure in Nigeria’s agriculture.
2. Rotimi Williams
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₦150 billion ($110 million)
Rotimi Williams is one of Nigeria’s largest rice farmers. His company, Kereksuk Rice Farm, cultivates over 45,000 hectares of rice fields. Through innovation and partnerships, he has built a fortune supplying rice to Nigerian and international markets.
3. Abdul Samad Rabiu
Estimated Net Worth (From Agriculture in 2025): ₦120 billion ($88 million)
Rabiu’s BUA Group owns vast agricultural assets, including sugar plantations, flour mills, and oil palm estates. His integrated farming operations in Kwara and Kano states contribute greatly to Nigeria’s food security and economy.
4. Tony Ifeanyichukwu Ezenna
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₦80 billion ($60 million)
Tony Ezenna is the founder of Orange Drugs but also a big player in agriculture, particularly in cassava and palm oil plantations. His modern approach to farming has earned him a place among the richest in the field.
5. Cosmas Maduka
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₦65 billion ($48 million)
Known for Coscharis Motors, Maduka also owns large farms producing rice, maize, and cassava. His investments in mechanized farming and value chain development have made him one of Nigeria’s most prominent agro-entrepreneurs.
6. Sir Olusegun Adebanjo
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₦45 billion ($33 million)
Sir Adebanjo runs some of the largest poultry farms in Nigeria. His egg and broiler businesses supply major supermarkets and food chains across the country. His modern poultry techniques and scale of operation have earned him national recognition.
7. John Okafor (Mr. Ibu)
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₦40 billion ($30 million)
Apart from his fame as an actor, John Okafor has quietly built a massive poultry and fishery business in southeastern Nigeria. His farms supply thousands of birds, eggs, and tons of fish annually.
8. Philip Ojo
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₦35 billion ($26 million)
Philip Ojo has made a name as a cassava and maize farmer, with large-scale operations in Ogun and Oyo states. He also produces animal feed and supplies flour mills with raw materials.
9. Blessing Afolabi
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₦28 billion ($21 million)
Blessing Afolabi is one of Nigeria’s most successful female farmers, known for her thriving vegetable and greenhouse farming business. She also exports herbs and vegetables to Europe, creating wealth and employment opportunities.
10. Akin Alabi
Estimated Net Worth (2025): ₦20 billion ($15 million)
Akin Alabi is a serial entrepreneur who has invested in catfish farming, poultry, and feed production. His farms in Lagos and Ibadan are models of innovation and productivity.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Farmers in Nigeria (2025)
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (₦) | Net Worth ($) | Main Farming Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aliko Dangote | ₦950 billion | $700 million | Rice, sugar, tomato, fertilizer |
| 2 | Rotimi Williams | ₦150 billion | $110 million | Rice |
| 3 | Abdul Samad Rabiu | ₦120 billion | $88 million | Sugar, palm oil, flour |
| 4 | Tony Ifeanyichukwu Ezenna | ₦80 billion | $60 million | Cassava, palm oil |
| 5 | Cosmas Maduka | ₦65 billion | $48 million | Rice, maize, cassava |
| 6 | Sir Olusegun Adebanjo | ₦45 billion | $33 million | Poultry |
| 7 | John Okafor (Mr. Ibu) | ₦40 billion | $30 million | Poultry, fishery |
| 8 | Philip Ojo | ₦35 billion | $26 million | Cassava, maize |
| 9 | Blessing Afolabi | ₦28 billion | $21 million | Vegetables, herbs |
| 10 | Akin Alabi | ₦20 billion | $15 million | Catfish, poultry |
How These Farmers Built Their Fortunes
Large-Scale Production
All these farmers operate on a large scale, with thousands of hectares of land, modern equipment, and significant capital investments.
Value Chain Integration
They don’t just grow crops or rear animals; they also process, package, and sell finished products, increasing profitability.
Government and Private Partnerships
They have leveraged government incentives, grants, and private-sector collaborations to grow their businesses.
Innovation
From greenhouse farming to improved animal breeding and irrigation technology, they adopt modern farming methods to increase yields and profits.
Why Farming Is the Future of Wealth in Nigeria
Nigeria spends billions of dollars annually on food imports, yet it has the resources to feed itself and even export. As these richest farmers have shown, there is enormous potential in agriculture.
For young Nigerians, farming is not just about survival; it is a pathway to wealth creation, job creation, and national development.
Lessons from Nigeria’s Richest Farmers
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Think big and invest in mechanization.
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Focus on high-demand crops and livestock.
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Add value through processing and branding.
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Diversify income streams within agriculture.
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Be patient; farming rewards consistency and vision.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is the richest farmer in Nigeria in 2025?
Aliko Dangote, through his agro-businesses, is currently the richest farmer in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of ₦950 billion ($700 million) from agriculture.
Which farming business is most profitable in Nigeria?
Rice farming, poultry, and cassava production are among the most profitable farming ventures in Nigeria.
Can farming make you a billionaire in Nigeria?
Yes. Large-scale farming, combined with processing and export, can generate billions of naira over time.
Are there female farmers among Nigeria’s richest?
Yes, Blessing Afolabi ranks among the top 10 with her vegetable and herb export business.
How can I start a successful farming business in Nigeria?
Start with proper research, choose a high-demand product, secure land and capital, use modern techniques, and build a good distribution network.
Final Thoughts on the Top 10 Richest Farmers in Nigeria and Their Net Worth (2025)
The richest farmers in Nigeria have proven that agriculture is not just about food — it’s about wealth, influence, and national development. From Dangote’s massive agro-enterprises to Blessing Afolabi’s export-driven farm, these individuals have turned Nigerian soil into gold.
If you’re thinking about venturing into farming, take inspiration from their stories. With vision, hard work, and innovation, the agricultural sector can provide both financial freedom and a lasting legacy.