Top 10 Richest Politicians In Akwa Ibom State

Let’s face it—when you hear “politician” in Nigeria, the first thing that pops into your mind is not public service or policy papers. Nope. It’s “money!” Big cars, bodyguards, convoy like wedding ceremony, estates that look like embassies, and bank accounts that can make Dangote blink twice.

Now if there’s any state that has perfected the marriage between politics and wealth, it's Akwa Ibom. The land of promise has birthed not just oil and incredible delicacies (yes, afang soup, I see you), but also political giants who are rolling in cash. And we’re not talking small change oh—we mean real money with plenty of zeros.

So, if you’ve ever wondered who’s really swimming in wealth among Akwa Ibom's political class, tighten your seatbelt. Whether you're a curious youth, a political enthusiast, or you just want to know whose pockets are fatter than yours (no judgment), this list is for you.

Let’s count down the top 10 richest politicians in Akwa Ibom—based on their influence, businesses, political careers, and of course, their fat bank accounts.

1. Akanimo Asuquo Udofia – The Oil Magnet

Let’s start from the top! If you’re talking money in Akwa Ibom and you don’t mention Akan Udofia, just carry your pen and start afresh. This man is not just rich—he is “money incarnate.”

CEO of Desicon Group, Akan Udofia made his billions in oil and gas. And when I say billions, I mean it with a “B.” Word on the street is that his company has bagged contracts running into hundreds of millions of dollars. He's got fingers in different pies—construction, infrastructure, utilities, and engineering. And although he hasn’t held an official public office (yet), his influence in Akwa Ibom’s political circle is undeniable.

He tried to contest for governor, and even though that didn't click, it reminded everyone: money can take you far—but politics has its own wahala.

🥈2. Godswill Akpabio – The Unshakable Lion

Ahhh, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio. The man, the myth, the political maestro. This is someone whose name commands attention in Nigeria—not just in Akwa Ibom.

Akpabio was Governor for 8 years (2007–2015), then moved to the Senate, became a Minister, and now Senate President. Like, how many chairs do you want to sit on, sir? 😄

While no one really knows the exact size of his wallet (and we wouldn’t mind peeking inside, honestly), some reports peg his worth anywhere from $100 million to $500 million. Let that sink in.

He’s believed to have made his wealth through political connections, business ventures, and those juicy government contracts that always seem to float to the top.

🥉3. Ita Enang – The Silent Strategist

You know those politicians that don’t shout, don’t trend on Twitter, but are always close to the corridors of power? That’s Senator Ita Enang.

This guy has been in politics since your parents were still using landlines. He’s served in the House of Reps, the Senate, and as Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters. Ita Enang is the textbook definition of “long-distance runner.”

Financially, he’s said to be worth upwards of $300 million, with interests in real estate, legal consultancy, and policy strategy. He doesn’t flash wealth, but don’t be deceived—his investments are very, very serious.

🏅4. Udo Udoma – The Gentle Legal Giant

Senator Udo Udoma may not be as flashy as his peers, but his bank account surely makes noise. With his background as a senior lawyer and one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds, he co-founded the high-ranking firm Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie.

Now add to that his stint as Minister of Budget and National Planning and his board memberships in major corporations, and what do you get? A man whose estimated net worth sits somewhere between $60 million to $270 million.

He’s proof that you can be wealthy without screaming it from rooftops or being dragged on social media.

🏆5. Udom Emmanuel – The Banker-Turned-Politician

Before becoming the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel was already swimming in boardroom money. He was an executive director in Zenith Bank and also worked in Diamond Bank. So let’s just say, he knew how to count money before he started spending public funds (respectfully).

During his 8 years as Governor, Udom focused on industrialization, attracting investors, and trying to transform Akwa Ibom into an economic hub.

Today, estimates place his net worth at about $250 million—with plenty coming from smart business deals and post-governorship influence.

🎖6. Victor Attah – The Father of Modern Akwa Ibom

You can’t talk about Akwa Ibom’s development without mentioning Obong Victor Attah. He was the Governor from 1999 to 2007 and literally helped draw the blueprint for modern Uyo—roads, infrastructure, Ibom Airport… the works.

Attah was an architect by profession, and you can still see his love for structure in his urban designs. While he’s not very active in politics these days, his wealth is said to be between $30 million to $200 million, largely from real estate and consultancy.

🪙7. Aloysius Etok – The Political Survivor

Senator Aloysius Akpan Etok is the kind of politician who has seen it all. He represented Akwa Ibom North-West in the Senate and was known for being vocal and strategic.

While his name doesn’t ring out like Akpabio’s, his wallet definitely tries to keep up. Some estimates place his wealth at around $100 million or more, thanks to political networks, contracts, and agriculture.

He’s not one of those always in the spotlight, but don’t underestimate his financial power.

💼8. Bassey Albert Akpan – From Banker to Senator

Another banker-turned-politician on this list is Senator Bassey Albert Akpan, aka OBA.

He started in the financial sector (FCMB and UBA), then served as Commissioner for Finance under Akpabio, before heading to the Senate.

Though he’s relatively young compared to others on this list, OBA has made some serious financial moves. His estimated net worth is around $5 million, with sources hinting at investments in real estate and hospitality.

🏗9. Nsima Ekere – The Deal Maker

Nsima Ekere once headed the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and if you know how contracts in NDDC move, you know the digits can multiply quickly.

Before NDDC, he served as Deputy Governor and later contested for governor under APC. While his ambitions didn’t quite hit the mark politically, financially he’s doing just fine.

With stakes in construction, energy, and real estate, Nsima is said to be worth between $4 million to $170 million. Big range, I know, but then again, this is Nigerian politics—things are never black and white.

🧢10. Unyime Josiah Idem – Telecom King Turned Lawmaker

To round off our list, let’s talk about Unyime Idem, House of Reps member and serial entrepreneur. Before entering politics, he was already known for his telecom businesses—especially Idem’s Ultimate Ltd and Stanford Microfinance Bank.

Idem represents the new breed of politicians—business-first, then public service. And while his political career is still unfolding, his estimated net worth of $3 million to $50 million shows he’s not here to play.

He’s young, connected, and very intentional about empowering youth and women through business ventures. Watch this space—he might just climb higher in the next few years.

📊 Quick Summary Table

✍🏽 Final Thoughts: What Does This Mean for the Average Akwa Ibomite?

Now, before you start pricing Range Rovers or thinking of switching careers to politics, just remember—wealth in Nigerian politics comes with its own complications. Many of these men are admired for their achievements, yes, but also scrutinized for how they got there.

Still, there’s a lesson here: combine ambition, connections, and a bit of “hustle” (or a lot), and your story could be next on this list.

Until then, be wise, stay informed, and maybe start looking for small shares in oil blocks... just in case.