Insight

• Infinity Media
• 5 Min Read

Gombe State Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Gombe State

Let’s face it: when people talk about wealth in Nigeria, the first names that pop up are often from Lagos, Abuja, or Port Harcourt. But today, let’s shine a spotlight on a place you may not immediately associate with wealth but absolutely should—Gombe State.

Gombe, located in the North-East and proudly called the Jewel in the Savannah, is home to some incredibly smart, strategic, and community-driven men who have made serious money and lasting impact. These are the kinds of people who don’t just flex on Instagram; they build legacies, empower locals, and run empires.

This post is not just a list. It’s a journey through vision, resilience, and the kind of hustle that reminds you why consistency beats overnight success every single time. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or civil servant, there's a lesson for you in here.

Grab your notepad, and let’s break it down.

1. Alhaji Abubakar Buba Atare II

Net Worth: ~₦40 billion
Industries: Traditional Leadership, Real Estate, Agriculture, Education

Known as the Mai Tula, Atare isn’t your average traditional ruler. With a degree in engineering and years of professional experience before ascending the throne, he brought corporate mindset into royal duties. His personal investments span real estate, educational institutions, and agriculture, especially rice farming.

He believes in building his community while growing his portfolio. You’ll find his name attached to schools, empowerment projects, and social development campaigns. In short, he’s a king who invests like a capitalist and gives like a humanitarian.

2. Idris Abubakar

Net Worth: ~₦25 billion
Industries: Law, Politics, Real Estate

This former senator turned lawyer made his money where many shy away—in the legal corridors of power. After years of running a highly successful legal practice, Idris took his talents into politics. While many politicians leave office with controversy, he left with credibility and wealth built on expertise, land acquisitions, and policy consulting.

Pro tip? Master your profession first. Money follows excellence.

3. Shehu Abubakar

Net Worth: ~₦20 billion
Industries: Traditional Rulership, Real Estate, Logistics

As the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Shehu is both a custodian of culture and a boardroom tactician. Beyond royal duties, he oversees multiple business interests. Logistics, hotels, and high-value real estate in Abuja and the North-East all bear his financial fingerprints.

It’s not about wearing a crown; it’s about wearing many hats—and he wears them well.

4. Manasseh Daniel Jatau

Net Worth: ~₦15 billion
Industries: Civil Service, Politics, Real Estate

Deputy Governor of Gombe State and seasoned public servant, Jatau built wealth the slow and steady way. With years in teaching, finance, and administration, his fortune grew through land development and agricultural ventures.

He’s proof that being a "bureaucrat" isn’t boring if you know where to invest your earnings.

5. Prof. Eli Jidere Bala

Net Worth: ~₦12 billion
Industries: Energy Consulting, Academia

Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Prof. Bala is a scholar with a smart mind for sustainable profit. His consulting services attract both local and foreign grants, and he sits on multiple boards in the renewable energy space.

Who said brainiacs don’t make bank?

6. Zainab Adamu Bulkachuwa

Net Worth: ~₦10 billion
Industries: Law, Manufacturing, Real Estate

The first female President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Bulkachuwa has had a storied legal career. She didn’t just break glass ceilings; she turned them into skylights. Her investments in fashion manufacturing and family-run businesses further cement her as a powerhouse beyond the bench.

Ladies, take notes. Excellence knows no gender.

7. Victor Mela Danzaria

Net Worth: ~₦8 billion
Industries: Oil Services, Hospitality, Construction

Victor Mela is not just a Rep member from Balanga-Billiri; he’s also a quiet investor. His interest in the oil supply chain, hospitality businesses, and construction in Abuja and Gombe has made him a behind-the-scenes millionaire.

He reminds us that you don’t have to shout about money to have it.

8. Helon Habila

Net Worth: ~₦5 billion
Industries: Publishing, Literature

Yes, you read that right. A writer made it to the top 10. Helon Habila, an award-winning author, professor, and global literary icon from Gombe, has earned royalties, grants, teaching gigs, and speaking fees from across the world.

Turns out, books can pay the bills.

9. Joshua Lidani

Net Worth: ~₦4.5 billion
Industries: Legal Services, Politics

A former Senator and long-time legal mind, Lidani made his fortune the classic Nigerian way: combine law, politics, and real estate. His firm is one of the most respected in the region, and he’s quietly acquired large properties in Gombe and Yola.

10. Edward Lametek Adamu

Net Worth: ~₦4 billion
Industries: Finance, Banking

With a high-ranking role at the Central Bank of Nigeria and years in corporate finance, Edward Adamu represents the corporate elite from Gombe. His earnings and investments speak of a life built on diligence and vision.

He’s not flashy. But his bank balance? Extremely comfortable.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

The Gombe story is unique. It doesn’t always make the news, and that’s okay. Because while the flash might be missing, the substance is rock solid. These men have shown us that you can rise from any state, any LGA, and any background if you play your cards right.

They’re not just millionaires and billionaires; they are mentors in disguise. They teach us that:

• Education still matters.

• Public service can pay (when done right).

• Real estate is always a good idea.

• Quiet wealth is still wealth.

• You don’t need to be loud to be rich.

So to all my young Nigerians out there, dreaming from under a fan in Gombe or planning your hustle from a school hostel: keep going. Greatness might just be a few smart decisions away.

Who knows? One day, your name might make this list.

Stay hungry. Stay humble. Keep building.