Insight

• Infinity Media
• 6 Min Read

Borno State Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Borno State

Hey there! If you're someone who dreams big, loves a good success story, and enjoys a little banter along the way, then you’re exactly who I had in mind when writing this post.

Let’s take a trip to Borno State — yes, the land that has survived storms and still shines. Borno might be in the headlines for all sorts of reasons, but beneath the surface lies a crew of powerful and inspiring men who have not only stacked up the naira (and dollars) but have also contributed immensely to their communities.

Whether you’re into politics, real estate, agriculture, oil, or tech, there’s something in this list that will spark your fire. These men didn’t wait for life to hand them lemons. They went out, planted their own lemon trees, and turned them into multi-million naira juice empires.

So sit back, get your favorite snack (suya or gala, no judgment), and let’s explore the lives and legacies of Borno State’s richest men.

1. Mohammed Indimi – The Oil Tycoon with a Big Heart

Net Worth: $500–650 million
Industries: Oil & Gas, Philanthropy

If there were a hall of fame for Nigerian billionaires with big hearts, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi would be right there at the top. Born in Maiduguri, he started small and rose to become the founder of Oriental Energy Resources — one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil companies.

Despite not having a university degree, Indimi’s intelligence and business acumen are the stuff of legend. But what truly sets him apart is his generosity. He has built hundreds of homes for internally displaced persons (IDPs), funded educational programs, and donated to hospitals.

In short, Indimi didn’t just get rich; he made his wealth work for people.

2. Kashim Shettima – From Banker to Vice President

Net Worth: Around $130 million
Industries: Politics, Agriculture, Real Estate

Before becoming Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima was a banker. Then he served as the Governor of Borno State, and now he’s in Aso Rock.

But here's what you may not know: Shettima is also a strategic investor. While governing Borno, he invested in agricultural reform and infrastructure development. He has personal stakes in real estate and commercial farming, and his net worth reflects years of hard work and smart decisions.

Also, don’t let that calm face fool you — behind that smile is a financial tactician.

3. Mohammed Dikwa – The Silent Real Estate Mogul

Net Worth: Multi-billion naira (exact figures not disclosed)
Industries: Real Estate, Finance

Some rich men are loud. Mohammed Dikwa is not one of them. He prefers to let his properties and philanthropic works do the talking. As the founder of Peniel Apartments Ltd., Dikwa has carved a niche in the luxury real estate space in Abuja, Lagos, and his native Borno.

His calm demeanor hides an astute businessman with investments that have multiplied quietly but consistently. He also runs programs focused on healthcare and education in Northern Nigeria.

Lesson here? Sometimes, wealth whispers.

4. Mohammed Abba Gana – The Elder Statesman

Net Worth: Approximately $160 million
Industries: Politics, Agriculture, Property Development

Mohammed Abba Gana has worn many caps — federal minister, senator, and influential policymaker. And while he was navigating Nigeria’s political corridors, he was also investing in agriculture and real estate.

With farms spread across the North-East and properties scattered in key Nigerian cities, Gana has turned his decades of service into a retirement plan that pays in eight figures. And if you're thinking about combining public service with smart investments, take notes.

5. Baba Kachalla – The Agricultural Powerhouse

Net Worth: Multi-billion naira
Industries: Agriculture, Logistics

Meet the man who took farming to a whole new level. Baba Kachalla runs one of Borno’s largest agro-enterprises. His mechanized farms produce grains, livestock, and poultry on a scale that supplies not just the state, but also neighboring regions.

But he didn’t stop there. He owns a logistics fleet that distributes farm produce across Northern Nigeria. You know you’re serious when your tomatoes arrive before your competitors even plant theirs.

6. Abba Kyari Jr. – Energy for the Future

Net Worth: Multi-billion naira
Industries: Renewable Energy, Telecom Infrastructure

Abba Kyari Jr. is what you get when brains meet opportunity. Son of the late Chief of Staff, he is making a name for himself in solar energy and telecoms. His firm develops micro-grids for rural communities, helping to light up villages and power businesses where the national grid has failed.

He is proof that wealth in the 21st century is not just about land or oil — it’s about innovation.

7. Dr. Ibrahim Tahir – The Medical Tycoon

Net Worth: Multi-billion naira
Industries: Healthcare, Education

From medicine to money, Dr. Tahir is the founder of one of Borno's top private hospitals. His healthcare network is expanding to include schools, maternity centers, and diagnostic labs.

He has also invested in education, owning several private schools that emphasize science and innovation. If there were a Nobel Prize for social entrepreneurship in Borno, Tahir would have one already.

8. Ali Modu Sheriff – The Political Businessman

Net Worth: $41–50 million
Industries: Politics, Real Estate, Oil Services

Ali Modu Sheriff is Borno royalty when it comes to political power. A former governor and senator, he has also made big moves in the business world.

Sheriff owns several real estate developments, oil service companies, and investments in haulage. His blend of political intelligence and business instinct has made him one of the region's most influential figures.

9. Mele Kyari – The Oil Administrator

Net Worth: Likely over $100 million
Industry: Oil & Gas

Mele Kyari, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, is arguably Nigeria’s most powerful man in the oil industry. Though he’s a civil servant, the perks, allowances, and influence that come with running the nation’s oil firm put him in elite circles.

His financial footprint might be understated, but if influence were a currency, Mele would be in the trillionaire league.

10. Mohammed Sanusi Daggash – Architect of Wealth

Net Worth: Tens of millions
Industries: Architecture, Consultancy, Politics

Daggash studied architecture at Ahmadu Bello University and later Harvard. He went from designing buildings to designing policies. As a former minister and senator, he merged expertise with experience, creating a legacy in consultancy and development planning.

His income comes from government contracts, architectural consulting, and real estate investments.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

Look, success doesn’t come with a GPS. But if these 10 men from Borno State have shown us anything, it’s that no matter where you start, greatness is possible. Whether it’s in the quiet power of real estate, the buzzing world of politics, or the calm discipline of farming, these individuals have charted unique paths to prosperity.

So here’s my message to every young dreamer reading this: You don’t have to be born rich. You don’t need to have connections. But what you do need is vision, grit, and the guts to start something.

Remember, someone reading this today could be the next big name in Borno State's wealth hall of fame. Why not you?

Stay inspired, stay humble, and keep moving.