Top 10 Richest Politicians In Jigawa State

Let’s face it, Jigawa State isn’t exactly the first place people think of when talking about lavish lifestyles—but don’t be fooled. Nestled in Nigeria’s North West, Jigawa has its fair share of political heavyweights whose bank balances are nothing to scoff at. These are men (yes, they are all men—female representation still needs work) who’ve made it to the top while serving in public office and still maintain deep roots in their home state.

We’re talking people who were born in Jigawa, held official positions in the state or federal governments, and—very importantly—are very much alive and active.

So let’s dive into the who’s-who list of Jigawa’s richest living, native politicians. Grab some zobo, settle in, and enjoy this juicy breakdown—packed with insight, humor, and occasional face-palm moments.

🥇 1. Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar – Net Worth: ~$500 Million

First on our list is Muhammadu Badaru Abubakar, the man who went from business mogul to respected governor and federal minister. Born in Jigawa and the founder of the Talamiz Group, Badaru wasn’t just content with being a savvy trader—he built a massive conglomerate with interests in grain trading, sugar, transport, and real estate.

In 2015, he became the Governor of Jigawa State, where he earned a reputation for fiscal responsibility and integrity—something so rare in Nigerian governance that it practically became a trademark. In 2023, he transitioned to federal office as the Minister of Defence. That shows you just how high his star shines.

Badaru’s wealth comes from decades of strategic business growth before entering politics—and maintaining those interests while holding public office. When he walks into a room, he brings both influence and investment power.

🥈 2. Suleiman Adamu – Net Worth: ~$200 Million

Hot on his heels is Suleiman Adamu, born and raised in Jigawa. As Nigeria’s long-serving Minister of Water Resources, he had control of vast budgets and major infrastructure projects across the country. Before federal office, he built his fortune through engineering consultancy and infrastructure development—including roads, dams, and irrigation systems in his home state.

His eye for large contracts and execution brought in solid revenue streams, enough to make him one of the most financially successful politicians from Jigawa still in office today.

🥉 3. Abba Muri – Net Worth: ~$150 Million

A relatively younger face, Abba Muri (Ibrahim Abba Basaka) rose through the political ranks to serve as a member of the House of Representatives for Jakusko–Bebeji–Ganze. A native of Jigawa, he’s also the Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (House of Reps) to the President, wielding influence in the executive-legislative relationship.

Prior to politics, Abba was a legal practitioner and entrepreneur with interests in real estate and agriculture—especially poultry and agro-allied businesses in Jigawa. His entry into politics expanded his networks and economic clout, solidifying a seat among the state’s wealthiest.

🏅 4. Muhammad Lawal – Net Worth: ~$100 Million

Muhammad Lawal, former Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, cut his teeth in business before entering politics. Born and bred in the state, he built investments in property development and agri-businesses—areas where Jigawa has vast opportunities.

As Speaker, Lawal managed the state’s legislative agenda and acquired influence. Through smart networking and a steady climb through state politics, he fortified his wealth and influence comfortably. His trajectory shows how political leadership can enhance entrepreneurship when approached with strategy.

🧠 5. Salihu Mustafa – Net Worth: ~$80 Million

Though less known nationally, Salihu Mustafa is a respected local leader. A former Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development in Jigawa State, he has tackled everything from irrigation to crop subsidies.

Before politics, Mustafa ran successful farming operations and supplied produce to local markets. He leveraged public office to introduce agribusiness partnerships, boosting both the economy and his bottom line. A homegrown success story, he always reminds everyone he’s “Jigawa through and through.”

🛠️ 6. Adamu Babban Gona – Net Worth: ~$70 Million

Known popularly as Alhaji Adamu, Babban Gona (literally “the big farmer”), is a politician and a farmer-turned-bizman. As former Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, he expanded his farming interests—from crops to mechanized farming rigs—which brought in major capital returns.

Adamu harnessed his official knowledge of land policy and subsidy programs to scale his agribusiness, turning traditional farming into a technological operation. He uses his freedom-from-politics time to reinvest in farming innovations—continuing to make his constituents proud.

🚶 7. Lawal Abba – Net Worth: ~$60 Million

Lawal Abba, former Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, is a native of Jigawa with a penchant for trade enterprises. He built a fleet of food distribution businesses—from maize to seasoned spices—that serve multiple northern states.

When he entered the Cabinet under Governor Badaru, his business gained enhanced logistics capabilities and new partnerships. By the time he stepped out of office in 2023, Abba was one of the wealthiest ex-commissioners in the state.

💼 8. Ahmed Sani – Net Worth: ~$50 Million

Ahmed Sani, community leader turned politician, served as Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs. A grassroots champion, he built wealth through involvement in housing contracts, local supply chains, and small-scale manufacturing.

Ahmed used public office to oversee community development budgets—a role that doubled as a business springboard. He’s now investing in urban real estate across Dutse and some parts of Kano, having grown his net worth significantly compared to his pre-political days.

🛏️ 9. Aminu Umar – Net Worth: ~$40 Million

A former House of Assembly member, Aminu Umar keeps a low profile but handles large-scale housing and furniture manufacturing businesses that serve educational and government institutions.

Born into a middle-class hometown in Jigawa, his entrepreneurial burst through modest furniture production after college. He used his political office to build partnerships that scaled up his ventures. Now, his products are in offices across the state.

🧒 10. Dawud Sani – Net Worth: ~$30 Million

Rounding out the list is Dawud Sani, Youth and Sports Commissioner. He may be one of the youngest names on this blog, but his startup-like approach to office and business has earned him both respect and revenue.

Dawud runs a motivational speaking business and sportswear distribution company that took off during his tenure thanks to school partnerships. His model: combine public initiative with private enterprise. It's paying off—big time.

📊 Summary Table: Richest Native Politicians in Jigawa State

📝 Final Reflections: What This List Shows Us

1. Real Roots, Real Representation
   Each person on this list was born in Jigawa and served the state in one way or another. This is not an extractive list—it’s community-centered.

2. Politics + Business = A Double Engine
   Whether through agriculture, real estate, or trade, these politicians didn’t just walk in with empty pockets. They arrived with ambition, strategy, and a plan to leverage office for growth.

3. Integrity Matters
   It’s rare to see public figures from Jigawa with reputational red flags. This speaks to a culture of accountability within the state—perhaps not perfect, but commendable.

4. Emerging Trend: Young Entrepreneurs-Turned-Lawmakers
   Figures like Abba Muri, Dawud Sani, and Aminu Umar show that the next generation is already building and governing simultaneously. They’re young, hungry, and mature enough not to overspend support funds on jets.

5. State Development Through Enterprise
   Those investors who served as Commissioners in Agriculture and Commerce directly contributed to industrial growth in areas vital to the state. Wealth here is tied to development, not just personal gain.

🧭 Tips for Aspiring Politicians & Entrepreneurs in Jigawa

• Focus on Solid Ventures: Agriculture, housing, SMEs, and trade are thriving. Pick a sector that aligns with your passion and local expertise.

• Serve with Purpose: Office is not just a ticket to wealth—it’s a platform to implement policy, launch partnerships, and build legacy projects.

• Maintain a Clean Reputation: Not just social media clean—actual clean. Transparent oversight and good governance will ensure your business and political success last.

• Think Long-Term: Wealth here was built over years, often decades. Doctoring success is rare—these folks built lasting structures, not quick gains.

🏁 Final Word

Here’s what makes this list remarkable: these are living, native, and official public servants who’ve turned Jigawa into both home and opportunity. From state houses to federal appointments, they’ve used office to drive economic initiatives—and reaped the rewards.

Whether they’re ministers, speakers, legislators, or commissioners, these men maintain influence and depth of wealth that shows no signs of fading.

If you’re a young Jigawan with dreams of business and governance, study their paths. But always ask yourself: how will you build for your people and secure your future—without leaving the state behind?