Have you ever wondered who the richest men in Bayelsa State are? What industries or careers helped them build their fortune? If these are the questions on your mind, then you're in the right place.
Bayelsa State, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is a land of wealth and opportunity. Though it is one of the smallest states by population and size, Bayelsa has produced some of Nigeria’s richest oil tycoons, political leaders, and business elites. The state’s proximity to crude oil reserves has made it a hotspot for investments in oil, shipping, construction, and politics.
In this post, I’ll be showing you the top 10 richest men in Bayelsa State in 2025, their estimated net worth, and the businesses they run. If you’ve ever asked: Who is the richest man in Bayelsa State?, What do Bayelsa billionaires do for a living?, How did these men get so rich?, or What business opportunities are in Bayelsa? then this detailed guide is for you.
Why You Should Know About Bayelsa’s Richest Men
Bayelsa’s economy is powered by oil and gas, but there are also strong opportunities in construction, politics, and transportation. Learning about the richest men in Bayelsa gives insight into:
Which industries are creating wealth in the Niger Delta
How political influence plays a major role in wealth creation
What kind of businesses work best in oil-producing areas
Let’s now look at the most powerful and wealthiest individuals from Bayelsa State.
1. Chief David Lyon – Oil Tycoon and Politician ($900 Million)
Chief David Lyon is a well-known name in Bayelsa. As a businessman and former governorship candidate, he has built an empire from oil servicing and logistics. His estimated net worth in 2025 is $900 million.
How He Made His Money: He started in the oil pipeline protection business and later expanded into construction, logistics, and real estate.
Businesses and Assets:
Oil pipeline surveillance
Construction companies
Real estate in Yenagoa and Port Harcourt
2. Timi Alaibe – Banker and Oil & Gas Consultant ($750 Million)
Timi Alaibe is a former Managing Director of NDDC and one of the richest Bayelsa-born technocrats. His fortune comes from oil consultancy, government appointments, and financial services.
How He Made His Money: Through his time at NDDC and his consultancy firm, Alaibe gained access to large projects and investments in the Niger Delta.
Businesses and Assets:
Oil and gas consultancy
Financial advisory services
Shares in oil servicing companies
3. Senator Seriake Dickson – Politician and Landowner ($600 Million)
Senator Seriake Dickson, the former governor of Bayelsa State, is one of the most influential figures in the state. He owns large lands and investments in hospitality.
How He Made His Money: His wealth is from his long political career, property development, and farming ventures.
Businesses and Assets:
Hotels and guest houses
Land and property development
Agricultural investments
4. Chief Timipre Sylva – Oil and Energy Consultant ($580 Million)
Timipre Sylva, former Minister of State for Petroleum, has strong ties with the oil and gas sector. He has investments in oil companies and advisory firms.
How He Made His Money: He used his government position and industry knowledge to build a network of business interests.
Businesses and Assets:
Petroleum and energy consultancy
Oil field logistics
Business partnerships with foreign investors
5. Keniebi Okoko (Posthumous Honor) – Investor and Philanthropist ($500 Million before death)
Though he passed away in 2020, Keniebi Okoko remains one of the wealthiest names from Bayelsa due to his legacy and investment portfolio. He was an investor in real estate, oil, and technology.
How He Made His Money: He built his wealth from smart tech and oil ventures, and was respected for his philanthropy.
Businesses and Assets:
Real estate and tech investments
Oil servicing firms
Foundation for youth empowerment
6. Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Family – Estate and Political Wealth ($480 Million)
The family of the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, former governor, still controls major assets and investments in Bayelsa and abroad.
How Wealth Was Accumulated: His years in public office and private investments made him very wealthy. His family has since continued to manage his wealth.
Businesses and Assets:
Real estate in Nigeria and abroad
Political contracts and businesses
Transportation and logistics
7. Fred Agbedi – Politician and Businessman ($300 Million)
Fred Agbedi is a well-known political figure in Bayelsa. He has served in the House of Representatives and holds investments in local industries.
How He Made His Money: He grew wealth from politics, property acquisition, and oil supply chains.
Businesses and Assets:
Real estate
Logistics for oil companies
Land and construction
8. Ambassador Godknows Igali – Diplomat and Public Service Expert ($280 Million)
Ambassador Igali is a career diplomat and public affairs expert. His wealth comes from international assignments and investments in education and housing.
How He Made His Money: By working on foreign service assignments and reinvesting earnings in Bayelsa.
Businesses and Assets:
Education consultancy
Housing developments
Foreign property holdings
9. Peremobowei Ebebi – Real Estate and Political Contracts ($230 Million)
Ebebi is a former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa. His influence in politics and housing business has placed him among the richest men in the state.
How He Made His Money: He used his access to public projects and government connections to grow his wealth.
Businesses and Assets:
Construction and building materials
Real estate
Political consulting
10. Talford Ongolo – Oil Transport and Community Leader ($190 Million)
Talford Ongolo is known for his strong base in oil transport, local businesses, and influence as a community leader.
How He Made His Money: He built partnerships with oil firms and manages logistics across the Niger Delta.
Businesses and Assets:
Oil transport and barging services
Land and property in Bayelsa
Local business ownership
Conclusion
The richest men in Bayelsa State in 2025 have built their wealth mostly from oil, politics, real estate, and consulting. Bayelsa’s oil reserves and political history have created strong opportunities for wealth growth.
If you’re looking for ideas or inspiration to build wealth in the Niger Delta, this list offers real examples of how it can be done with strategy, connection, and hard work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the richest man in Bayelsa State in 2025?
Chief David Lyon, with a net worth of $900 million.
2. What sectors produce the most wealth in Bayelsa?
Oil and gas, politics, real estate, and logistics.
3. Are Bayelsa politicians among the richest?
Yes, many politicians are also investors and landowners.
4. What is the main business opportunity in Bayelsa?
Oil-related services, property, and government contracting.
5. Which city in Bayelsa has the most wealthy people?
Yenagoa, the state capital.