Have you ever wondered who the richest men in Taraba State are? What kinds of businesses do they run, and how did they accumulate their wealth? If these questions have crossed your mind, you're in the right place.
Taraba State, located in northeastern Nigeria, is not only known for its beautiful landscape and agricultural potential—it’s also home to a number of influential and wealthy individuals. These men have built solid business empires across industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, politics, and trade.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 richest men in Taraba State in 2025, their net worth, the businesses they control, and how they made their money.
1. Theophilus Danjuma — Oil & Investment Magnate ($1.8 Billion)
General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma remains the richest man in Taraba State. A retired army general turned billionaire businessman, Danjuma has built a business empire that spans oil, shipping, and real estate.
Business Empire:
South Atlantic Petroleum (SAPETRO) – Oil exploration and production.
TY Holdings – Investments across real estate, finance, and agriculture.
Philanthropy – Through the TY Danjuma Foundation, he has donated millions to education and health initiatives across Nigeria.
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $1.8 Billion
Danjuma is not only Taraba’s wealthiest man but also one of Nigeria’s richest overall.
2. David Sabo Kente — Hospitality & Real Estate Tycoon ($420 Million)
David Kente is a businessman and politician widely known for his investments in the hospitality and real estate sectors. His wealth comes from owning hotels and properties in Abuja, Jalingo, and other urban areas.
Business Empire:
Dadin Kowa Hotels – A well-known hospitality brand in Taraba and FCT.
Kente Group – Interests in construction, property, and event hosting.
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $420 Million
Kente is also active in politics and philanthropy, contributing to local development.
3. Haruna Manu — Entrepreneur & Politician ($300 Million)
Haruna Manu is the former Deputy Governor of Taraba and a successful businessman. His business interests span agriculture, construction, and transportation.
Business Empire:
Agro Ventures Nigeria Ltd – Investments in rice milling and cattle ranching.
Real estate and transport – Properties and inter-state transport services.
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $300 Million
He represents the blend of political influence and private entrepreneurship in Taraba.
4. Sani Abubakar Danladi — Political Influencer & Investor ($270 Million)
Sani Danladi is a former acting governor and business investor. He has invested heavily in construction, logistics, and water bottling.
Business Empire:
Construction companies across Northeast Nigeria
Water bottling plants and packaging businesses
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $270 Million
Danladi is one of the most connected men in Taraba's business-political ecosystem.
5. Jolly Nyame — Ex-Governor & Agribusiness Player ($200 Million)
Despite his controversial history, Jolly Nyame is still considered one of the wealthiest figures in Taraba, with considerable assets in agriculture and farming estates.
Business Empire:
Large-scale farming projects (maize, yam, cattle)
Investment in warehouses and farm produce distribution
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $200 Million
Nyame remains influential, especially in the agricultural economy of Taraba.
6. Aliyu Danburam — Trading and Transport Tycoon ($170 Million)
Aliyu Danburam built his fortune through cross-border trading, haulage services, and transport logistics. He is a key player in northern Nigeria’s trade corridor.
Business Empire:
Danburam Logistics – Inter-state transport and import/export.
Retail and commodity trading
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $170 Million
He’s considered a quiet millionaire with deep roots in grassroots commerce.
7. Victor Bala Kona — Real Estate & Media Investor ($150 Million)
Victor Bala Kona, a former PDP chairman in Taraba, is also a businessman with large investments in real estate and media.
Business Empire:
Prime real estate in Jalingo and Abuja
Media and printing companies
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $150 Million
He is widely respected for his business acumen and political leadership.
8. Ishaku Darius — Architect, Developer & Politician ($130 Million)
Darius Ishaku, the former governor of Taraba and an architect by profession, owns property and consultancy firms.
Business Empire:
Architectural firms and construction consultancies
Hospitality projects in Abuja and Taraba
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $130 Million
Darius combined public service with private investment wisely over the years.
9. Saleh Mamman — Power & Engineering Investor ($120 Million)
Saleh Mamman, a former Minister of Power, has interests in engineering services, construction, and solar energy.
Business Empire:
Engineering and energy supply contracts
Solar project installations in northern Nigeria
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $120 Million
His wealth was built through decades of contract work and public-private partnerships.
10. Abubakar Bawa — Commodity Trader & Farmer ($90 Million)
Abubakar Bawa is a businessman based in Wukari who made his wealth from farming and bulk agricultural trade.
Business Empire:
Commercial farming of sesame, rice, maize
Foodstuff distribution and commodity export
Estimated Net Worth (2025): $90 Million
He is well known in southern Taraba and across the Benue Valley for his large farms and trade networks.
Summary Table: Top 10 Richest Men in Taraba State (2025)
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (USD) | Industry/Business Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Theophilus Danjuma | $1.8 Billion | Oil, Investments, Shipping |
| 2 | David Sabo Kente | $420 Million | Hotels, Real Estate |
| 3 | Haruna Manu | $300 Million | Agro-business, Real Estate |
| 4 | Sani Abubakar Danladi | $270 Million | Construction, Logistics |
| 5 | Jolly Nyame | $200 Million | Farming, Distribution |
| 6 | Aliyu Danburam | $170 Million | Transport, Trade |
| 7 | Victor Bala Kona | $150 Million | Media, Property Development |
| 8 | Darius Ishaku | $130 Million | Architecture, Real Estate |
| 9 | Saleh Mamman | $120 Million | Energy, Engineering |
| 10 | Abubakar Bawa | $90 Million | Agriculture, Commodity Trading |
FAQs – Richest Men in Taraba State 2025
Who is the richest man in Taraba State in 2025?
General Theophilus Danjuma is the richest man in Taraba State with an estimated net worth of $1.8 billion.
How did Theophilus Danjuma make his money?
Through oil exploration (SAPETRO), investments (TY Holdings), and real estate.
What businesses is David Kente known for?
He owns luxury hotels, real estate holdings, and event management ventures.
Are there billionaires from Taraba State?
Yes, Theophilus Danjuma is a confirmed billionaire by global and national estimates.
Which industries make the most millionaires in Taraba?
Agriculture, real estate, oil, and construction are the top industries.
Final Thoughts on Taraba State’s Richest Men
The top 10 richest men in Taraba State in 2025 show that wealth in Nigeria isn't just found in Lagos or Abuja—it thrives in the northeast too. These men have built wealth across oil, farming, real estate, logistics, and construction.
Whether you’re looking for investment inspiration, studying regional economics, or just curious about who holds the money in Taraba, this list gives you a complete picture. These wealthy individuals are not just rich—they’re also influential in shaping the future of the state.