Top 10 Richest Men in Cross River State 2025 and Their Net Worth Revealed

Have you ever wondered who the richest men in Cross River State are and how they built their wealth? If you are curious about the most influential businessmen in the state, their industries, and their net worth, this is the most detailed guide you will find.

Cross River State, located in the South-South region of Nigeria, is known for its natural beauty, agricultural potential, and thriving industries in hospitality, real estate, oil services, and manufacturing. Many successful entrepreneurs and investors have emerged from the state, building large business empires that impact not only Cross River but Nigeria as a whole.

In this article, we will list the top 10 richest men in Cross River State 2025 and their net worth, explore the industries where they made their fortunes, and provide insights into how they achieved financial success. This guide is perfect for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, investments, or business growth in Nigeria.

1. Donald Duke — Politician and Business Mogul ($1 Billion)

Donald Duke, the former governor of Cross River State, is one of the wealthiest men in the state. His estimated net worth is over $1 billion. Beyond politics, Duke is an astute businessman with interests in real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure development.

He was instrumental in transforming Cross River into a major tourist destination during his tenure. Today, he owns high-value properties and businesses in Nigeria and abroad.

Business Empire:

• Real Estate: Luxury properties and commercial complexes

• Hospitality: Investments in hotels and resorts

• Infrastructure: Major construction and development projects

Donald Duke is widely admired for his vision and leadership, and his investments continue to generate significant income.

2. Benedict Ayade — Business Tycoon & Former Governor ($800 Million)

Benedict Ayade, another prominent politician and businessman from Cross River State, has amassed a net worth estimated at $800 million.

Before becoming the governor of the state, Ayade was a successful entrepreneur in oil services, real estate, and construction. He has continued to expand his business portfolio while maintaining influence in Nigerian politics.

Business Empire:

• Oil & Gas: Major stakes in oil servicing companies

• Construction: Ownership of several engineering firms

• Real Estate: Luxury housing projects and commercial properties

Ayade is known for his investments in industries that create jobs and boost the state’s economy.

3. Gershom Bassey — Oil & Gas Investor ($600 Million)

Gershom Bassey is a Nigerian senator and successful businessman with a net worth estimated at $600 million.

He is the co-founder of Addax Petroleum, one of Nigeria’s major oil companies, which was later acquired by Sinopec. His vast investments in oil and gas, real estate, and financial services have made him one of the richest men in Cross River State.

Business Empire:

• Oil & Gas: Major shareholder in upstream and downstream oil ventures

• Financial Services: Significant investments in Nigerian banks

• Real Estate: Prime properties in Lagos, Abuja, and Calabar

4. Nzan Ogbe — Diplomat and Investor ($450 Million)

Nzan Ogbe, a renowned Cross River-born diplomat and investor, has a net worth estimated at $450 million.

He has served in high-profile international organizations and Nigerian government agencies, while also building a portfolio in agriculture, manufacturing, and consulting.

Business Empire:

• Agriculture: Large-scale farming operations in Cross River

• Consulting: International business consultancy

• Manufacturing: Ownership stakes in FMCG companies

5. Chris Agara — Oil & Real Estate Magnate ($400 Million)

Chris Agara is a leading businessman in the oil and gas and real estate industries, with a net worth of about $400 million.

He owns multiple oil servicing companies and real estate developments across Nigeria. Agara is also involved in major philanthropic activities in Cross River State.

Business Empire:

• Oil & Gas: Oil servicing and distribution

• Real Estate: High-value properties and estates in major Nigerian cities

• Philanthropy: Investments in education and community development

6. Mark Ukpo — Real Estate & Hospitality Tycoon ($350 Million)

Mark Ukpo is one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in Cross River State, with a net worth estimated at $350 million.

He is heavily invested in the real estate and hospitality industries, owning luxury hotels and premium estates.

Business Empire:

• Hospitality: Luxury hotels in Calabar and Lagos

• Real Estate: Large estates and commercial complexes

• Agriculture: Cash crop farming in Cross River

7. Eyo Ekpo — Energy & Infrastructure Investor ($300 Million)

Eyo Ekpo is a highly successful investor in energy and infrastructure projects, with a net worth of about $300 million.

He is known for his involvement in power generation projects and partnerships with major infrastructure firms.

Business Empire:

• Energy: Ownership stakes in power plants

• Infrastructure: Roads and bridge construction contracts

• Consultancy: Advisory roles in international development agencies

8. Larry Esin — Business Executive & Investor ($280 Million)

Larry Esin is a respected Cross River-born business executive and investor. His estimated net worth is $280 million.

He has built wealth through diverse investments in oil servicing, ICT, and financial services.

Business Empire:

• Oil & Gas: Shares in oil servicing companies

• ICT: Startups and software development firms

• Finance: Equity in microfinance and commercial banks

9. Etubom Anthony Ani — Financial Consultant & Former Minister ($250 Million)

Etubom Anthony Ani, a former Nigerian Minister of Finance, is among the richest men in Cross River State with a net worth of $250 million.

Ani has an extensive career in finance and consulting, as well as ownership of companies in agriculture and construction.

Business Empire:

• Consulting: Financial and economic advisory services

• Agriculture: Large-scale rice and cocoa plantations

• Construction: Contracts for government projects

10. Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. — Young Investor & Politician ($200 Million)

Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., a former Commissioner for Finance in Cross River State, is one of the youngest wealthy men in the state with an estimated net worth of $200 million.

He has significant investments in financial technology, logistics, and agriculture.

Business Empire:

• FinTech: Founding partner in technology-driven financial firms

• Logistics: Transport and distribution businesses

• Agriculture: Agro-processing companies

Summary Table of the Top 10 Richest Men in Cross River State

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the richest man in Cross River State?

Donald Duke, with an estimated net worth of $1 billion, is currently the richest man in Cross River State.

2. What industries make people rich in Cross River State?

Most wealthy men in Cross River State have investments in oil and gas, real estate, hospitality, agriculture, and infrastructure development.

3. Are politicians the richest in Cross River State?

While several politicians like Donald Duke and Benedict Ayade are among the richest, many businessmen outside politics have also built huge fortunes.

4. How do Cross River billionaires invest in the state?

They invest in job creation, real estate, agriculture, tourism, and community projects to boost the state’s economy.

5. Who is the youngest wealthy man in Cross River State?

Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr. is the youngest on this list, with a net worth of $200 million.

Conclusion

The top 10 richest men in Cross River State have built their wealth through diverse industries like oil and gas, real estate, finance, and agriculture. They are not only successful businessmen but also play key roles in the development of the state.

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, their journeys show that strategic investments and diversification are crucial to building wealth.