Have you ever wondered who the richest men in Rivers State are? What industries have fueled their impressive fortunes? If these questions have been on your mind, you’re in the right place!

Rivers State, located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria, is not only a key economic powerhouse but also home to some of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the country. From oil and gas to real estate, trading, and manufacturing, these men have established thriving business empires that have shaped the state’s economy and beyond.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the top 10 richest men in Rivers State in 2025. We will explore their net worth, the sectors they dominate, and the unique paths they took to build their wealth. Let’s dive in and reveal the giants behind Rivers State’s booming economy

1. Peter Odili — Oil & Gas Mogul and Political Icon ($1.4 Billion)

Peter Odili, a former governor of Rivers State, is often regarded as the richest man in Rivers State with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion. His fortune was built primarily through investments in the oil and gas sector, combined with his influential political career.

Odili’s strategic partnerships with multinational oil companies and ownership of several oil servicing firms have cemented his place at the top of Rivers’ wealth ladder. Beyond oil, he has ventured into real estate and infrastructural development.

How He Built His Wealth:
Odili leveraged his political influence and deep knowledge of the oil industry to establish and grow several oil service companies. He diversified into real estate, expanding his portfolio beyond petroleum.

Business Empire:

• Oil and Gas: Oil exploration services and supply chain companies

• Real Estate: High-value commercial and residential properties

• Infrastructure: Investments in state development projects

2. Felix Obuah — Business Mogul in Construction and Oil Services ($900 Million)

Felix Obuah is a prominent businessman and politician with an estimated net worth of $900 million. He heads the Obuah Group, which has significant investments in construction, oil servicing, and real estate.

Obuah’s construction firm has delivered some of the most iconic projects in Rivers State, while his oil servicing businesses serve major players in the Niger Delta oil industry.

How He Built His Wealth:
Obuah’s success came from capitalizing on the booming oil sector by providing essential services and combining this with a strong presence in construction and real estate.

Business Empire:

• Obuah Group: Construction and engineering services

• Oil Services: Supply and logistics to oil companies

• Real Estate: Commercial and residential property developments

3. Tonye Cole — Real Estate, Oil, and Industrialist ($850 Million)

Tonye Cole, co-founder of Sahara Group, one of Africa’s largest oil and energy conglomerates, has an estimated net worth of $850 million. He is also deeply invested in real estate development and other industrial ventures in Rivers State.

Cole’s visionary leadership in energy has propelled Sahara Group to international success, while his real estate projects have reshaped parts of Port Harcourt’s skyline.

How He Built His Wealth:
Through innovative energy solutions and expansion into international markets, combined with real estate investments, Cole has grown a diverse and lucrative portfolio.

Business Empire:

• Sahara Group: Oil and gas trading and distribution

• Real Estate: Urban development and property management

• Industrial Ventures: Manufacturing and energy services

4. Sir. Magnus L. Afurobi — Oil & Gas Entrepreneur and Philanthropist ($600 Million)

Sir Magnus Afurobi is a respected oil and gas entrepreneur and philanthropist, with a net worth estimated at $600 million. His business interests span oil exploration, production, and downstream petroleum activities.

Afurobi is known for his commitment to community development and uses his wealth to support educational and health initiatives in Rivers State.

How He Built His Wealth:
Afurobi’s hands-on approach in the oil industry and reinvestment into downstream activities have been key to growing his fortune.

Business Empire:

• Oil Exploration and Production

• Petroleum Retail and Distribution

• Philanthropy and Community Development

5. Dakuku Peterside — Shipping, Oil, and Political Leader ($500 Million)

Dakuku Peterside, a former director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), has an estimated net worth of $500 million. He is deeply involved in shipping, oil logistics, and political leadership.

His role in maritime administration has opened avenues for significant business opportunities in shipping and oil logistics, key sectors in Rivers State.

How He Built His Wealth:
By merging political acumen with maritime and oil logistics expertise, Peterside created a unique niche that fueled his business growth.

Business Empire:

• Shipping and Maritime Services

• Oil Logistics and Supply Chain

• Political and Public Service Influence

6. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi — Politician and Infrastructure Investor ($480 Million)

Rotimi Amaechi, former governor of Rivers State and current political heavyweight, has an estimated net worth of $480 million. Amaechi’s wealth comes from strategic investments in infrastructure, real estate, and oil-related businesses.

During his tenure, Amaechi championed major infrastructural developments, many of which doubled as profitable ventures.

How He Built His Wealth:
Amaechi combined his political career with smart investments in infrastructure and real estate, leveraging his influence for business growth.

Business Empire:

• Infrastructure Development

• Real Estate Holdings

• Oil Sector Investments

7. Tonye Briggs-Oniyide — Business and Real Estate Investor ($300 Million)

Tonye Briggs-Oniyide, a prominent Rivers State politician and businessman, has an estimated net worth of $300 million. His business interests include real estate development and trading.

Briggs-Oniyide’s keen business sense and political connections have enabled him to grow his real estate portfolio extensively within Rivers State.

How He Built His Wealth:
By focusing on property development and trading, alongside leveraging political networks, he has amassed significant wealth.

Business Empire:

• Real Estate Development

• Trading and Commerce

• Political Network Business Facilitation

8. Alfred Diete-Spiff — Oil, Agriculture, and Real Estate Investor ($270 Million)

Alfred Diete-Spiff, the first military governor of Rivers State, has a net worth of approximately $270 million. His investments span oil servicing companies, agriculture, and real estate.

Diete-Spiff has leveraged decades of experience in leadership and business to cultivate a diversified investment portfolio.

How He Built His Wealth:
A blend of political leadership experience and investments in key economic sectors like oil and agriculture paved the way for his wealth.

Business Empire:

• Oil Servicing and Exploration

• Agricultural Enterprises

• Real Estate Holdings

9. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu — Energy Sector and Real Estate Investor ($250 Million)

Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, is estimated to be worth $250 million. His wealth originates from senior roles in the energy sector and investments in real estate.

Kachikwu’s deep knowledge of the petroleum industry has been instrumental in developing profitable business interests.

How He Built His Wealth:
Kachikwu parlayed his government experience into energy consulting and real estate investments to grow his net worth.

Business Empire:

• Energy Consulting and Investment

• Real Estate Development

• Strategic Petroleum Sector Roles

10. Obinna Okezie — Shipping, Oil Services, and Trade ($200 Million)

Obinna Okezie is a businessman focused on shipping, oil services, and trading, with an estimated net worth of $200 million. His businesses cater to the vital logistics needs of the oil industry in Rivers State.

Okezie’s companies provide critical support services that keep the oil and gas sector operational.

How He Built His Wealth:
Focusing on logistics and oil servicing in a resource-rich region helped Okezie carve out a lucrative niche.

Business Empire:

• Shipping and Logistics

• Oil Field Services

• Trade and Distribution

Conclusion

The top 10 richest men in Rivers State in 2025 showcase the immense wealth generated from the state’s oil and gas industry, real estate developments, and strategic political leadership. These men have expertly blended business savvy with leadership roles to build some of Nigeria’s most powerful and influential business empires.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is the richest man in Rivers State?
Peter Odili, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, is currently the richest man in Rivers State.

2. Which industries dominate the wealth in Rivers State?
Oil and gas, real estate, construction, and politics are the leading wealth sectors.

3. How did Felix Obuah build his fortune?
Obuah built his wealth through his construction firm, oil servicing businesses, and real estate investments.

4. Are politicians among the richest in Rivers State?
Yes, many wealthy men in Rivers State combine political careers with business ventures.

5. What business sectors should I focus on in Rivers State?
The oil and gas sector, real estate development, shipping, and construction offer significant opportunities.

Their stories of success serve as inspiring examples for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to tap into Rivers State’s abundant opportunities.