Have you ever wondered who the richest men in Akwa Ibom State are? What industries have driven their rise to wealth? If you’ve been curious about the top business figures shaping Akwa Ibom’s economy, you’re in the perfect place!
Akwa Ibom State, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is widely known for its booming oil and gas industry. However, the wealth of its richest men extends beyond petroleum to sectors like real estate, construction, agriculture, and commerce. These business leaders have not only built vast fortunes but have also significantly influenced the state’s economic development.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 richest men in Akwa Ibom State in 2025, delving into their net worth, the industries they dominate, and the journeys they took to achieve remarkable success. Let’s get started and reveal the wealth behind Akwa Ibom’s thriving economy!
1. Godswill Akpabio — Oil, Politics, and Infrastructure Mogul ($1.3 Billion)
Godswill Akpabio, a former governor and influential political figure, tops the list of richest men in Akwa Ibom State with a net worth of approximately $1.3 billion. His wealth stems largely from strategic investments in the oil sector, infrastructure development, and real estate.
Akpabio’s tenure as governor allowed him to establish key business relationships in the oil industry while championing major infrastructure projects, which later became profitable ventures.
How He Built His Wealth:
Akpabio leveraged political influence to gain entry into lucrative oil contracts and real estate projects. His smart investments in infrastructure also contributed significantly to his financial growth.
Business Empire:
Oil & Gas: Strategic investments and partnerships
Infrastructure: Roads, housing, and public utilities
Real Estate: Commercial and residential properties
2. Sam Ewang — Oil Services and Real Estate Tycoon ($850 Million)
Sam Ewang is a notable businessman in Akwa Ibom State with an estimated net worth of $850 million. He owns several companies in oil servicing and real estate, making him a key player in both sectors.
Ewang’s oil services firms provide critical support to multinational companies operating in the Niger Delta, while his real estate ventures have transformed parts of Uyo and other towns.
How He Built His Wealth:
By focusing on the growing demands of the oil sector and combining that with strategic real estate investments, Ewang has steadily expanded his wealth.
Business Empire:
Oil Services: Equipment and logistics
Real Estate: Urban developments and commercial centers
Trading: Import and export businesses
3. Akanimo Udofia — Agriculture, Real Estate, and Oil ($700 Million)
Akanimo Udofia is a diversified entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $700 million. He has invested heavily in agriculture, oil servicing, and real estate development across Akwa Ibom State.
Udofia is known for his agricultural ventures that promote local food production, alongside real estate projects that contribute to urban growth in the state.
How He Built His Wealth:
His focus on combining agriculture with real estate and oil-related investments has allowed him to create a strong and resilient business portfolio.
Business Empire:
Agriculture: Farming and agro-processing
Real Estate: Housing estates and commercial properties
Oil Services: Equipment leasing and maintenance
4. Emmanuel Udom — Construction and Oil Entrepreneur ($600 Million)
Emmanuel Udom has a net worth estimated at $600 million, gained through his thriving construction company and ventures in oil and gas services.
Udom’s construction firm is responsible for numerous road and building projects in Akwa Ibom, while his oil services businesses supply critical equipment to oil companies.
How He Built His Wealth:
Udom combined expertise in construction with strategic oil servicing contracts to grow his wealth consistently over the years.
Business Empire:
Construction: Roadworks, housing, and public infrastructure
Oil & Gas: Equipment supply and servicing
Real Estate: Development projects
5. Ita Udo — Trading, Oil Services, and Real Estate Investor ($520 Million)
Ita Udo is a successful trader and investor with a net worth of $520 million. His businesses span oil servicing, real estate development, and commercial trading.
Udo’s trading companies supply goods and equipment to oil companies and local businesses, while his real estate projects have boosted urbanization in Akwa Ibom.
How He Built His Wealth:
By capitalizing on trade opportunities in the oil sector and investing profits into real estate, Udo has built a diverse and profitable empire.
Business Empire:
Trading: Oil sector equipment and general goods
Real Estate: Commercial and residential development
Oil Services: Logistics and maintenance
6. Sunday Udo-Edehe — Political Leader and Business Investor ($480 Million)
Sunday Udo-Edehe combines his political influence with savvy business investments. With a net worth around $480 million, he holds interests in oil, real estate, and infrastructure.
His dual role as a political leader and businessman has helped him secure lucrative contracts and investments in Akwa Ibom.
How He Built His Wealth:
Leveraging political connections and focusing on real estate and oil sector investments has been central to Udo-Edehe’s financial success.
Business Empire:
Oil & Gas: Strategic partnerships and investments
Real Estate: Property development
Infrastructure: Construction and maintenance
7. Emmanuel Ekuwem — Oil and Gas Services Entrepreneur ($420 Million)
Emmanuel Ekuwem is an oil and gas services entrepreneur with an estimated net worth of $420 million. He owns companies that provide logistics, equipment leasing, and technical services to major oil firms in Akwa Ibom.
His strong presence in the oil services industry has made him a key wealth holder in the state.
How He Built His Wealth:
Focused investments in oil servicing and logistics, combined with long-term contracts, have fueled Ekuwem’s financial growth.
Business Empire:
Oil Services: Equipment leasing and logistics
Technical Services: Maintenance and support
Trading: Oil industry supplies
8. Nsikak Abasi — Real Estate and Manufacturing ($370 Million)
Nsikak Abasi is a diversified businessman with interests in real estate and manufacturing, boasting a net worth of $370 million.
Abasi has developed multiple housing estates and industrial parks, contributing to the economic expansion of Akwa Ibom State.
How He Built His Wealth:
Combining real estate development with manufacturing has allowed Abasi to tap into multiple income streams.
Business Empire:
Real Estate: Housing and commercial developments
Manufacturing: Local industrial production
Trading: Import and export
9. Edet Iboro — Agriculture and Oil Services ($300 Million)
Edet Iboro is an entrepreneur with a net worth of approximately $300 million. His focus is on agriculture, oil servicing, and logistics, making him a versatile business owner in Akwa Ibom.
Iboro is recognized for promoting agricultural modernization alongside servicing the oil sector.
How He Built His Wealth:
A balanced investment in agriculture and oil services has created steady revenue streams for Iboro.
Business Empire:
Agriculture: Farming and agro-processing
Oil Services: Equipment and logistics
Trading: Agricultural products and oil equipment
10. Etim Okon — Trading and Oil Services ($250 Million)
Etim Okon rounds out the top 10 richest men in Akwa Ibom State with an estimated net worth of $250 million. His business interests include trading, oil services, and real estate.
Okon’s trading companies have built strong partnerships with oil companies, while his real estate investments support urban growth.
How He Built His Wealth:
Strategic trading and service contracts in the oil sector, combined with property investments, have underpinned Okon’s wealth.
Business Empire:
Trading: Oil sector supplies and general goods
Oil Services: Logistics and equipment
Real Estate: Property development
Conclusion
The richest men in Akwa Ibom State in 2025 have built their fortunes by leveraging the state’s abundant oil resources, thriving real estate market, and opportunities in agriculture and infrastructure. Their stories reflect the diversity of the economy and the power of strategic investments combined with strong leadership.
These business leaders serve as inspirations for entrepreneurs aiming to make a mark in Akwa Ibom and beyond, showcasing how diversified investments can lead to sustainable wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the richest man in Akwa Ibom State?
Godswill Akpabio is the richest man in Akwa Ibom State, with a net worth of approximately $1.3 billion.
2. Which industries generate the most wealth in Akwa Ibom State?
Oil and gas, real estate, agriculture, and construction are the main wealth-generating sectors.
3. How did Sam Ewang accumulate his wealth?
Sam Ewang’s wealth comes from his companies in oil servicing and real estate development.
4. Are there politicians among the richest in Akwa Ibom State?
Yes, political leaders like Godswill Akpabio and Sunday Udo-Edehe have combined politics with business investments to grow their wealth.
5. What sectors should I explore for business in Akwa Ibom?
Oil servicing, real estate, agriculture, and trading offer promising opportunities.