Zamfara State, located in the northwestern part of Nigeria, is known for its rich cultural heritage, vast agricultural lands, and untapped mineral resources, especially gold. Despite its economic challenges, the state is home to some of Nigeria’s wealthiest businessmen, politicians, and entrepreneurs. These influential individuals have built significant wealth through politics, mining, agriculture, real estate, and other strategic investments.
In this article, we present the top 10 richest men in Zamfara State 2025 and their net worth revealed, detailing how they accumulated their wealth, their impact on the state, and the sectors they dominate.
1. Bello Matawalle – Former Governor and Business Investor ($900 Million)
Bello Matawalle, the former Governor of Zamfara State, tops the list with an estimated net worth of $900 million.
How He Made His Wealth
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Politics: Matawalle’s long career in politics, serving as a member of the House of Representatives and Governor, contributed significantly to his wealth.
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Mining: Investments in gold mining operations, which are abundant in Zamfara State.
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Real Estate: Owns luxury properties in Abuja, Lagos, and Gusau.
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Transport: Large investments in transport and logistics companies across northern Nigeria.
Influence in Zamfara State
Matawalle has been a central figure in shaping the political and economic landscape of Zamfara State, funding numerous community development initiatives.
2. Abdulaziz Yari – Former Governor and Entrepreneur ($850 Million)
Abdulaziz Yari, another former Governor of Zamfara State, is the second richest man with an estimated net worth of $850 million.
Sources of Wealth
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Politics: Years of public service, including as Governor of Zamfara State.
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Mining: Owns stakes in several mining companies in Zamfara and other northern states.
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Real Estate: Significant property investments in Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna.
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Oil and Gas: Investments in oil distribution companies and depots.
3. Lawal M. Anka – Mining Tycoon ($700 Million)
Lawal M. Anka is one of the most powerful figures in the mining industry in Zamfara State. His net worth is estimated at $700 million.
How He Built His Wealth
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Mining: Owner of several gold and solid mineral mines in Zamfara and neighboring states.
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Export Business: Exports refined gold and other minerals internationally.
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Agriculture: Large-scale rice and maize farming projects.
4. Kabir Marafa – Politician and Business Investor ($650 Million)
Kabir Marafa, a former senator and influential political figure in Zamfara, has a net worth of $650 million.
Sources of Wealth
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Politics: Years of legislative service and political influence.
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Real Estate: Luxurious properties in major Nigerian cities.
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Hospitality: Owns hotels and resorts in Abuja and Gusau.
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Mining: Holds shares in several mining companies in Zamfara.
5. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi – Businessman and Politician ($550 Million)
Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi is one of the most popular names in Zamfara State politics and business with a net worth of $550 million.
Wealth Sources
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Politics: Served in several political appointments and contesting governorship positions.
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Media and Communications: Owns media outlets and communications companies.
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Agriculture: Large investments in farming and agricultural exports.
6. Alhaji Shehu Sarkin Fulani – Industrialist and Agricultural Investor ($500 Million)
Shehu Sarkin Fulani is a respected businessman and traditional titleholder with a net worth of $500 million.
Sources of Wealth
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Agriculture: Owns one of the largest commercial farms in Zamfara.
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Trading: Import and export of goods such as agricultural products and building materials.
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Real Estate: Investments in property development in northern Nigeria.
7. Ibrahim Mallaha – Mining Magnate ($450 Million)
Ibrahim Mallaha is a well-known mining entrepreneur in Zamfara State with a net worth of $450 million.
Business Activities
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Gold Mining: Owns several mining sites across Zamfara State.
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Real Estate: Builds and sells luxury estates in Abuja and Gusau.
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Hospitality: Invests in high-end hotels in Abuja and Kaduna.
8. Alhaji Bello Maru – Entrepreneur and Investor ($400 Million)
Bello Maru has diverse investments across multiple sectors, giving him a net worth of $400 million.
Wealth Sources
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Mining: Stakes in small and large-scale mining businesses.
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Construction: Runs a major construction company in northern Nigeria.
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Agriculture: Cultivates and exports cash crops.
9. Musa Gusau – Businessman and Politician ($350 Million)
Musa Gusau, a politician and businessman, has a net worth of $350 million.
Key Businesses
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Politics: Leveraged political roles to secure large business contracts.
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Transportation: Investments in interstate and international transport companies.
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Hospitality: Owns several hotels and guest houses in Zamfara and Abuja.
10. Tukur Danfulani – Emerging Entrepreneur ($300 Million)
Tukur Danfulani is one of the youngest wealthy entrepreneurs in Zamfara State, with a net worth of $300 million.
How He Made His Wealth
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Mining: Active in small and medium-scale mining operations.
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Logistics: Owns one of the largest logistics companies in the northwest.
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Technology Startups: Invests in Nigerian tech companies.
Summary Table of the Top 10 Richest Men in Zamfara State
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (USD) | Main Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bello Matawalle | $900 Million | Politics, Mining, Real Estate, Transport |
| 2 | Abdulaziz Yari | $850 Million | Politics, Mining, Oil & Gas, Real Estate |
| 3 | Lawal M. Anka | $700 Million | Mining, Export, Agriculture |
| 4 | Kabir Marafa | $650 Million | Politics, Mining, Real Estate, Hospitality |
| 5 | Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi | $550 Million | Politics, Media, Agriculture |
| 6 | Shehu Sarkin Fulani | $500 Million | Agriculture, Trading, Real Estate |
| 7 | Ibrahim Mallaha | $450 Million | Mining, Real Estate, Hospitality |
| 8 | Bello Maru | $400 Million | Mining, Construction, Agriculture |
| 9 | Musa Gusau | $350 Million | Politics, Transportation, Hospitality |
| 10 | Tukur Danfulani | $300 Million | Mining, Logistics, Technology |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the richest man in Zamfara State?
Bello Matawalle is the richest man in Zamfara State with a net worth of $900 million.
2. Which industries make people wealthy in Zamfara State?
Mining, politics, real estate, agriculture, and transportation are the main industries creating wealth in the state.
3. Is gold mining a major source of wealth in Zamfara?
Yes, Zamfara is known for its abundant gold deposits, making mining a major source of income for many wealthy individuals.
4. Do these billionaires invest in the local community?
Most of them support local community projects like building schools, roads, and health centers.
5. Are young entrepreneurs building wealth in Zamfara?
Yes, young entrepreneurs like Tukur Danfulani are emerging with strong investments in mining and logistics.
6. Are their investments only in Zamfara State?
No, most have diversified investments in other Nigerian states like Abuja, Lagos, and Kaduna.
7. How important is agriculture in building wealth in Zamfara?
Agriculture is one of the major contributors to wealth creation in the state, especially large-scale farming.
8. Can foreigners invest in Zamfara’s mining industry?
Yes, but they must go through the proper legal processes and collaborate with local partners.
Conclusion
The top 10 richest men in Zamfara State 2025 and their net worth revealed highlights the dominance of mining, politics, and real estate in wealth creation. These individuals have not only built personal fortunes but have also contributed to community development and job creation in Zamfara State.
If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you can learn from their strategic investments in mining, agriculture, and real estate. Zamfara is rich in opportunities, and with the right investments, it is possible to build lasting wealth.