Insight

• Infinity Media
• 8 Min Read

Sokoto State Billionaires: 10 Richest Men In Sokoto State

Hello, amazing people! 🙌

If you’ve ever thought Sokoto State was just about turbans, flowing agbadas, and spiritual vibes, think again. Sokoto isn’t only the "Seat of the Caliphate," it’s also home to some serious money movers—men who are not just wealthy, but influential, strategic, and, let’s be honest, quite powerful.

Now, I know when people hear of Lagos or Abuja, they imagine skyscrapers and tech bros flipping dollars. But Sokoto? That’s old money with deep political roots, powerful networks, and a calm confidence that screams, “I don’t need to flaunt it, I own it.”

So, let’s dive into this exciting world of Sokoto’s richest men—the billionaires, the senators, the traditional kings, and the quiet millionaires who are doing big things both in the open and behind the scenes.

Grab a cup of tea, because this is going to be a juicy, enlightening ride.

Summary Table: Richest Men in Sokoto State

1. Alhaji Dahiru Mangal – The Aviation King with Deep Roots

Net Worth: $800 million+

Let’s start with a man whose name flies across the skies—literally.

Alhaji Dahiru Mangal is the founder of Max Air, one of Nigeria’s biggest domestic airlines. Now, I know you’re thinking, “Isn’t he from Katsina?” Technically, yes. But Mangal has serious investments and ancestral ties in Sokoto, so much so that he’s considered part of the elite northern business circle.

From aviation to construction, logistics to agriculture, this man is playing Monopoly in real life. He employs thousands of people across the region and is known for his low-key philanthropic projects.

When you fly Max Air from Sokoto to Abuja, just know you’re riding with one of the North’s finest money-makers.

2. Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko – The Political Giant with Real Estate Swagger

Net Worth: $300 million

Former governor, current senator, and forever a political heavyweight in Sokoto politics. Wamakko is not just a politician—he’s a serious businessman.

After serving as governor from 2007 to 2015, he decided to expand his wealth through real estate, farming, and let’s just say, highly strategic business ventures. Word on the street is that his properties in Sokoto and Abuja could fill up an entire estate directory.

His influence in the political space has also helped him secure large government contracts—talk about working smart AND hard.

3. Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal – The Legal Eagle with a Taste for High Returns

Net Worth: $250 million

If Sokoto politics was a chess game, Tambuwal would be one of the grandmasters. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and two-term governor of Sokoto, Tambuwal didn’t just climb the political ladder—he built his own staircase.

But beyond politics, Tambuwal is a savvy investor. With interests in real estate, telecommunications, and education, he’s proven that you can be a lawyer, politician, and businessman all in one lifetime.

And the best part? He does it all with that calm, calculated aura of someone who always has a plan B, C, and D.

4. Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari Bala (aka Buhari Sokoto) – The Silent Contractor

Net Worth: $200 million

Now here’s a man who might not be trending on Twitter, but his buildings sure are. Buhari Sokoto is the go-to guy for high-end construction projects in Sokoto. His firm has handled countless government contracts—roads, schools, hospitals—you name it.

He’s the kind of businessman who lets his bulldozers do the talking.

What’s fascinating is how quietly he operates. No flashy cars, no Instagram flaunting. Just quiet power and consistent checks. You’ve got to respect the hustle.

5. Alhaji Abubakar Malami (SAN) – The Legal Lord Who Built an Empire

Net Worth: $180 million

You might remember him as Nigeria’s former Attorney General, but behind that legal exterior is a business mogul with fingers in several pies.

Malami, though originally from Kebbi, has strong political and business ties in Sokoto. He’s invested in oil and gas, agriculture, real estate, and hotels.

During his time in office, he managed to amass quite the empire. Some say it’s strategy, others say it’s divine grace. Whichever it is, one thing’s for sure—he belongs on this list.

6. Engineer Bello Suleiman – The Power Player in Power

Net Worth: $150 million

No pun intended, but this man really is a power player—literally.

A former MD of the now-defunct PHCN and an energy sector expert, Bello Suleiman has had a long career in government and consultancy. And let’s just say, he made very smart decisions during the era of privatization in Nigeria’s power sector.

He now sits on multiple boards and is one of the key people consulted when big energy deals go down. Who said engineers can’t be rich?

7. Alhaji Faruk Malami Yabo – The Local Boy with National Reach

Net Worth: $120 million

From Yabo LGA, this political-financier hybrid has turned every opportunity into gold. With strong connections at both state and federal levels, Faruk Malami Yabo has invested heavily in agriculture, transport, and construction.

He may not have the flash of a Lagos techpreneur, but he has serious clout where it matters. In Sokoto, when the big boys gather, you’ll find Yabo seated at the front.

8. Alhaji Umaru (Ummarun) Kwabo – The Kind Billionaire

Net Worth: $100 million

Chairman of the STCC Group, Kwabo is a jack-of-all-trades and master of many. His business empire touches oil and gas, transport, real estate, and even pharmaceuticals.

But what really makes him stand out is his generosity. This man is a one-man social welfare ministry. He’s sponsored hundreds of weddings, supported orphans, and invested in community development.

If money is power, then kindness is influence—and Kwabo has both.

9. Dr. Abdussamad Dasuki – The Young Turk with a Royal Name

Net Worth: $90 million

Son of the late Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki, Dr. Abdussamad isn’t just riding on his father’s name—he’s creating his own legacy.

An economist by training and a former finance commissioner in Sokoto, he’s made wise moves in real estate and agriculture. He’s also a tech enthusiast, with investments in digital platforms that are quietly expanding across northern Nigeria.

He’s proof that you can combine royal lineage, education, and ambition to build something truly extraordinary.

10. Mukhtar Shagari & Alhaji Sani Gada – The Political Old Guards with Deep Pockets

Net Worth: $100–200 million

Mukhtar Shagari, a former minister and deputy governor (and nephew to the late President Shehu Shagari), has seen it all. He made most of his wealth through agriculture and high-level government contracts.

Alhaji Sani Gada, on the other hand, is more low-key but equally influential. He’s a statesman, diplomat, and a shrewd investor in education and consultancy. Don’t let the calm demeanor fool you—these men have serious money.

And We Mustn’t Forget: The Sultan Himself

Sultan Muhammadu Sa’adu Abubakar III
Net Worth: $100 million

As the 20th Sultan of Sokoto, he is the spiritual leader of Nigeria’s Muslims, and one of the most respected figures in the country.

But beyond the throne and prayers, the Sultan also manages vast ancestral land holdings, endowments, and investments in education, agriculture, and Islamic finance.

His wealth isn’t just in naira—it’s in respect, legacy, and influence. He might be the only man who can walk into any palace or villa in Nigeria and be welcomed like royalty… because he is.

So, What’s the Secret Sauce?

Here’s the interesting bit—most of Sokoto’s richest men didn’t build their fortunes through flashy startups or social media influencing. They rose through:

• Strategic political appointments

• High-stakes government contracts

• Old-money land ownership

• Careful investments in agriculture, real estate, energy, and transportation

Also, let’s not forget the power of networks. In Sokoto, who you know is just as important as what you know. And these men? They know everyone.

Final Thoughts

Sokoto may look calm on the surface, but underneath the traditional elegance is a powerful economic engine driven by men who know how to play the long game. They don’t shout. They don’t show off. But they are running things.

These men are not just wealthy—they are institutions. They are shaping Sokoto’s development, setting agendas, and creating opportunities in their own unique ways.

So, next time you find yourself in Sokoto, look around. That quiet man in the white kaftan might just be the reason your flight landed on time, the road was fixed, or a whole village got electricity.

And remember—money doesn’t always make noise. Sometimes, it moves in silence... like the Sokoto breeze.