Have you ever wondered who the richest men in Benue State are? What industries have contributed to their incredible wealth? If you’ve been asking these questions and want a clear, detailed answer, you’ve come to the right place!

Benue State, often called the “Food Basket of the Nation,” is located in the North-Central region of Nigeria. Beyond its agricultural prominence, the state is home to several wealthy entrepreneurs and influential business leaders who have successfully built their fortunes across various sectors, including agriculture, oil and gas, real estate, politics, and trade.

In this article, we will explore the top 10 richest men in Benue State in 2025, diving deep into their net worth, business ventures, and how they achieved their success. Get ready for an insightful journey into Benue’s wealthiest personalities

1. Samuel Ortom — Political Leader and Business Entrepreneur ($1.1 Billion)

Samuel Ortom is not only the governor of Benue State but also one of the richest men in the state with an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion. His wealth comes from a blend of strategic investments in agriculture, real estate, and trading.

Ortom has used his political influence to boost agricultural productivity in Benue while also growing personal businesses in farming and property development. His deep understanding of both governance and business has placed him at the forefront of Benue’s economic scene.

How He Built His Wealth:
Ortom combined political leadership with entrepreneurial ventures in agriculture and real estate. His investments in large-scale farming projects and land holdings have significantly increased his financial standing.

Business Empire:

• Agriculture: Large-scale farming and agro-processing

• Real Estate: Development of commercial and residential properties

• Trading: Agricultural commodities and goods distribution

2. Gabriel Suswam — Oil, Gas, and Real Estate Tycoon ($700 Million)

Gabriel Suswam, a former governor and influential businessman, boasts a net worth of approximately $700 million. His wealth stems primarily from investments in the oil and gas sector, complemented by real estate holdings.

Suswam’s business acumen and political connections have allowed him to tap into lucrative oil exploration contracts and establish a robust real estate portfolio in Benue and beyond.

How He Built His Wealth:
By leveraging his political background and investing in high-return sectors like oil and real estate, Suswam has solidified his position among Benue’s richest.

Business Empire:

• Oil and Gas: Exploration and distribution

• Real Estate: Commercial and residential properties

• Infrastructure: Investments in construction projects

3. Patrick Abba Moro — Education, Real Estate, and Agriculture Investor ($500 Million)

Patrick Abba Moro is a well-known figure with an estimated net worth of $500 million. His wealth is tied to investments in education, real estate, and agriculture.

As a former Minister of Education, Moro has influenced policies while also expanding his personal business ventures, including owning educational institutions and farmland.

How He Built His Wealth:
Moro diversified his wealth by investing in education and agriculture, sectors with long-term growth prospects in Benue State.

Business Empire:

• Education: Ownership of schools and training centers

• Agriculture: Large-scale farming enterprises

• Real Estate: Property development and management

4. Hyacinth Alia — Politician and Agribusiness Mogul ($450 Million)

Hyacinth Alia, a rising political star and agribusiness entrepreneur, has an estimated net worth of $450 million. His focus on agribusiness taps directly into Benue’s core economy, allowing him to flourish.

Alia’s leadership role as the current governor enhances his ability to create economic opportunities that also benefit his business portfolio.

How He Built His Wealth:
Alia’s wealth is largely built through investments in agribusiness, leveraging Benue’s rich agricultural resources and expanding into agro-processing industries.

Business Empire:

• Agribusiness: Crop farming and agro-processing

• Real Estate: Property investments

• Trade: Agricultural export and distribution

5. George Akume — Politics, Oil, and Real Estate Investor ($400 Million)

George Akume, a seasoned politician and businessman, has an estimated net worth of $400 million. His wealth originates from oil and gas contracts, as well as real estate developments across Benue and neighboring states.

Akume’s extensive political experience has been a catalyst for business growth, allowing him to secure profitable deals and diversify his income streams.

How He Built His Wealth:
Akume combined politics with strategic investments in oil and real estate, creating a sustainable business empire.

Business Empire:

• Oil and Gas: Exploration and contracts

• Real Estate: Commercial properties and land holdings

• Political Influence: Business facilitation

6. Gabriel Suswam Jr. — Emerging Oil and Real Estate Entrepreneur ($200 Million)

As the son of Gabriel Suswam, Gabriel Suswam Jr. is an emerging billionaire with an estimated net worth of $200 million. He’s rapidly building his own empire in oil exploration and real estate.

With strong family support and his own business vision, Suswam Jr. is positioned to be one of Benue’s leading young entrepreneurs.

How He Built His Wealth:
Gabriel Suswam Jr. leveraged family assets and political connections to grow his investments, particularly in oil and real estate.

Business Empire:

• Oil Exploration: Early-stage investments

• Real Estate: Property acquisitions and developments

7. Terwase Akwaza — Security, Business, and Trade Mogul ($150 Million)

Known locally as Gana, Terwase Akwaza made his wealth through security contracting, trade, and various business ventures. His estimated net worth is $150 million.

Though controversial, Akwaza’s influence in Benue State’s security and commerce landscape cannot be ignored.

How He Built His Wealth:
Akwaza’s strategic positioning in security services and trade networks helped him accumulate significant wealth.

Business Empire:

• Security contracting and consultancy

• Trading: Agricultural and consumer goods

• Local business investments

8. Andrew Ahiamah — Construction and Real Estate Developer ($120 Million)

Andrew Ahiamah is a businessman focused on construction and real estate development, with a net worth estimated at $120 million. His projects in urban housing and commercial infrastructure are transforming parts of Benue State.

Ahiamah’s focus on quality construction has earned him a reputable business brand.

How He Built His Wealth:
Through consistent investment in construction projects and real estate, Ahiamah has steadily grown his fortune.

Business Empire:

• Construction: Residential and commercial buildings

• Real Estate: Urban development projects

9. Michael Aondoakaa — Law, Politics, and Oil Investor ($110 Million)

Michael Aondoakaa is a lawyer and politician with an estimated net worth of $110 million. His wealth comes from legal practice, political appointments, and investments in oil and gas.

Aondoakaa served as Attorney General of Nigeria, which helped him build strong networks to support his business interests.

How He Built His Wealth:
Aondoakaa’s combination of law, politics, and strategic investments in oil helped him accumulate wealth.

Business Empire:

• Legal consultancy and practice

• Oil and Gas: Investments and contracts

• Political appointments

10. Emmanuel Jime — Agriculture and Trade Entrepreneur ($90 Million)

Emmanuel Jime has built a solid fortune of about $90 million through agriculture and trade. His businesses include large-scale farming and the export of Benue’s agricultural products.

Jime is recognized for pioneering modern farming techniques and improving trade networks for farmers in the state.

How He Built His Wealth:
By modernizing agriculture and expanding trade routes, Jime has become a notable wealth figure in Benue.

Business Empire:

• Large-scale farming

• Agricultural exports

• Trade facilitation

Conclusion

Benue State’s richest men in 2025 reflect a strong connection between politics, agriculture, oil, and real estate. These men have leveraged their expertise, networks, and the state’s rich resources to build vast empires. Their journeys offer valuable lessons on diversification, strategic investment, and leadership for anyone looking to thrive in Benue or Nigeria at large.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the richest man in Benue State?
Samuel Ortom, with a net worth of $1.1 billion, is currently the richest man in Benue State. His wealth comes from agriculture, real estate, and trading.

2. What industries dominate Benue State’s wealth?
Agriculture, oil and gas, real estate, politics, and trade are the leading sectors.

3. How did Gabriel Suswam build his fortune?
Suswam built his wealth primarily through oil and gas investments, coupled with real estate.

4. Are political leaders among the richest in Benue State?
Yes, many of the wealthiest men have combined political careers with business ventures.

5. How can one succeed in business in Benue State?
Focus on sectors like agriculture and real estate, build strong networks, and diversify investments.