Nigeria is home to more than a few wealthy families. Some of these families share so many things in common including the fact that many people don’t necessarily know them as they’re not hugely popular.
Every once in a frequent blue moon, the affluence and wealth of these families become apparent when some of their luxurious purchases become public knowledge.
An example of such was when billionaire businessman Femi Otedola bought three Ferraris for each of his three daughters, Tolani, Cuppy and Temi Otedola.
For most of these families, the origin of their wealth can be traced to a single industrious family member during the early years of Nigeria’s independence. Subsequently, these families have now gone on to dominate different economic niches while amassing more wealth and affluence. As a matter of fact, almost all the families are old money, which means that the wealth in each of the families transcends more than one generation.
Now, some of the entries in our carefully researched list will come as a surprise to a lot of people because some of the people you expect to see here will not be on this list. However, that you didn’t know about them doesn’t mean they don’t exist- and they’re really the richest!
Take a look at 10 of the richest families in Nigeria, and we can guarantee that a number of them will shock you.
1. Briggs family
The Briggs family is one of the wealthiest families in Nigeria. They come from the oil-rich Niger Delta and their wealth is truly so stunning, that it makes them one of the wealthiest in the country.
The family’s late patriarch, Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs was somewhat well known in Nigeria and was mostly the founder of the family’s stunning wealth.
Most of the family’s wealth can be traced to him. He is the owner of the private oil and gas exploration and production company Moni Pulo Limited.
Forbes reports: “Moni Pulo was awarded its first oil block in 1992 when the Nigerian president at the time, Ibrahim Babangida, was encouraging indigenous participation in the upstream sector of the oil and gas industry.
“The company currently has oil blocks in Ondo state, Abia and Akwa-Ibom state. Its flagship project, OML 114, produces 10,000 barrels per day.
“Along with his wife, a pastor, he funds the O.B Lulu Briggs Foundation, which provides humanitarian services to rural communities.”
Moni Pulo Limited was founded in Port Harcourt but it also has branches in Lagos and London. The company is the owner of the oil block, OML 114.
Chief Lulu-Briggs’ wife, Mrs Seinye Lulu-Briggs is also a powerhouse. She is the chief executive officer of Rachael Hotels Limited and is one of the richest businesswomen in Nigeria.
2. Ibru family
When you mention the richest families in Nigeria, then you have to mention the Ibru family or the list would not be complete.
This family, more accurately described as the Ibru Organisation, hails from the town of Agbarha-Otor, near Ughelli in Delta State. The family’s original patriarch was Chief Peter Epere Ibru.
No matter how much a family’s wealth is though, for it to thrive, other family members of the family have to be interested in building the family’s wealth.
That was exactly the case with the patriarch’s son, Michael Ibru, who founded the Ibru Organisation, which was created to manage the family’s assets and interests.
The Ibru Organisation is one of the largest conglomerates in Nigeria. This company was founded in 1956 and has several interests including in the aviation industry, the oil and gas industry, the shipping industry, the banking sector and the agricultural industry.
From all of the above, it is clear that the company has its hands in many pies and it is paying off. The family is also not a stranger to enjoying luxurious comforts as their lifestyle suggests.
In the same year that Michael Ibru started the Ibru Organisation, he partnered with Jimmy Large, an Englishman, to form the Laibru General Trading Company.
He also bought shares in the construction company, Ace Jimonma, expanding his assets.
Ibru was a pioneer in the distribution of frozen fish in Nigeria; a trade worth billions of naira yearly.
Through acquisitions and joint ventures, he grew the original organisation to have interests in brewing, construction, petroleum, agriculture, and media.
The Ibrus own Guardian Newspapers, Federal Palace Hotel, and Michael and Cecilia Ibru University in Delta State, alongside massive real estate investments around the world.
The most notable members of the Ibru family are Cecilia Ibru, Oboden Ibru, Oscar Ibru, Felix Ibru and Alex Ibru.
3. Tinubu family
The Tinubu family is one of the richest families in Nigeria. The mere mention of the name inspires great respect and familiarity in many Nigerians, Lagosians, to be precise.
The patriarch of this family is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, an entrepreneur, a politician, and a one-time governor of Lagos State.
His mother, Chief Abibatu Mogaji was a wealthy Lagos trader and businesswoman as well as one of the most influential community leaders. Before her death in 2013, she was the president-general of the Association of Nigerian Market Men and Women.
Although this cannot be ascertained, Bola Tinubu is said to be one of the richest men in Nigeria with enough wealth to start his own dynasty if he so chooses.
The ‘Jagaban of Lagos’ as he is famously called, spent most of his professional life at Mobil before he ventured into politics in 1992.
That proved to be his best decision as he amassed a lot of wealth while at it. There are several thriving rumours of a considerable number of assets owned by Tinubu all over the world but these rumours are yet to be confirmed.
4. Igbinedion family
The Igbinedion family is based in the town of Okada and is one of Nigeria’s richest families in Edo State and by extension in the South-South region of Nigeria.
The patriarch of the Igbinedion family is chief Gabriel Igbinedion. He holds the title of the Esama of Benin, a chieftaincy title he received with great fanfare from the late Oba Akenzua II of Benin.
Chief Gabriel Igbinedion is said to have started his career as a police officer before veering into the car business. He reportedly worked as an employee before he acquired ownership of his own car business.
After starting his successful car business, he expanded his interests into other industries. His venture into other industries yielded both monumental successes and a few disastrous results like the now-defunct Okada Air.
His more successful ventures include Igbinedion University, Kada Plaza, and Igbinedion Television to mention a few.
Apart from the patriarch, there are many other successful members of this family. Chief Igbinedion’s son, Lucky Igbnedion, was the governor of Edo State from 1999 to 2003.
His daughter, Omoseide Igbinedion, currently has a seat at the Federal Ministry of Representatives, where she represents Ovia North Federal constituency.
This family’s wealth is far spread. They are known for their lavish parties, which are held all over the world from Edo State to London to South Africa.
5. Dantata family
Most Nigerians are already familiar with Aliko Dangote, who is the richest black man alive and one of the most influential businessmen in Nigeria.
