Top 10 Richest Politicians In Plateau State

If you’ve ever thought Plateau State was just cool weather and lovely hills, think again, my friend. Behind those misty mornings and scenic roads lies a circle of politicians who’ve turned Otukpo, Barkin Ladi, and Jos Square into profit points. These are the men (and yes, still mostly men—political gender balance remains a conversation for another day) who were born in Plateau, went into politics in Plateau, and happen to be very much alive.

We’ve got governors, senators, technocrats, commissars, and outspoken lawmakers who not only have influence but also serious bank balances. So for the next 10+ minutes, let’s dive into their stories—funny, insightful, sometimes eyebrow-raising—with the warmth and energy of that Nigerian blogger buzzing around your WhatsApp group. Buckle in!

🥇 1. Jonah David Jang – Est. Net Worth: $30–50 Million

If Plateau politics were a family, JDM (Jonah David Jang) would be that Uncle you can’t ignore—loud voice, big presence, and incredibly hard to sideline. Born in Jos South in 1944, he joined the Air Force, served as military governor, then later became a civilian governor from 2007 to 2015. Talk about range!

Money Musings

• Military pension plus governor’s salary across two terms—these figures don’t come in small digits.

• Agro-businesses? ✅ Real estate? ✅ A mansion or two in Jos—definitely.

• Add in strategic alliances and consulting gigs after retirement, and you’ve got a fortune that’s not quite billionaire level, but don’t test it.

Why he anchors this list
Sincere or not, Jang is a foundation of Plateau politics. Without him, subsequent generations would barely step foot in that senator’s lounge.

🥈 2. Simon Bako Lalong – Est. Net Worth: $20–30 Million

You won’t see Lalong throwing money at flashy parties, but make no mistake—he’s California cool with cash. Hailing from Shendam in 1963, he’s that calm-headed dude who became Speaker of the Plateau House (2000–2007), Governor (2015–2023), and now doubles as both Senator and Minister—a rare double-hat.

Money Moves

• Legal practice: his law firm pays well.

• Governor’s perks: two terms give a steady, solid deposit.

• Investment portfolio: farmland, rentals, maybe a bottling plant.

Lalong’s lane: low profile, but bank notes don’t lie. He’s steady and smart—a classic in every sense.

🥉 3. Simon Mwadkwon – Est. Net Worth: $15–20 Million

Here’s a surprise knockout: Sen. Simon Mwadkwon, a Jos-centred politician who’s quietly done the most. Before politics, he was a banker, and today he’s a respected member of the national assembly.

Where the money comes from

• Salaries + constituency allowances (yes, those do add up).

• Investments in bank-backed ventures and property.

• Local partnerships in education and small agribusiness projects.

Why he disrupts this list
He’s younger, he’s hungry, and shows there’s room for new blood—not just old-retired-colonel-types.

🏅 4. Hezekiah Dimka Ayuba – Est. Net Worth: $8–12 Million

Plateau Central’s Senator Hezekiah Dimka Ayuba is another man bridging farming with politics. A mix of tradition and modern business savvy.

Revenue streams

• Senator allowance + committee perks on TETFund Board.

• A chunk of farmland across Plateau—food inflation is a friend to farmers.

• Real estate in Jos and Abuja—can’t forget that.

Real talk
His net worth matches his political personality: solid, quiet, and growing.

5. Istifanus Gyang – Est. Net Worth: $8–10 Million

Now here’s a senator to watch—Sen. Gyang, representing Plateau North. If politics is a marathon, he’s at the sprint stage.

Earnings

• Senator’s salary + project funds.

• Board memberships (railway, energy).

• Small real estate investments and agricultural projects.

The take
Nothing buzzy yet, but for a mid-career senator, this net worth shows he’s playing for keeps.

6. Musa Agah – Est. Net Worth: $7–9 Million

From Jos North/Bassa federal rep, Musa Agah is on track to be a Plateau insider’s insider—a man wired into local governance and community interests.

Value stack

• Federal allowances—regular, reliable.

• Investments in local hotels and properties in Jos that generate overnight income.

• Maybe a share in cattle trade or maize mills (common side-income in Plateau).

The vibe
Grassroots with pockets—Plateau needs more of his type.

7. Danyaro Sarpiya – Est. Net Worth: $7–9 Million

Before there was political office, there was Danyaro Sarpiya—the accountant-turned-philanthropist. He’s got numbers on the mind and funds in his deals.

How the money piles up

• Accounting practice—his fees are top-tier.

• Real estate—clearly some juicy Jos property there.

• Agricultural and telecom pie slices (Nigeria is telephone-hungry, after all).

Why we love him
He’s methodical, honest enough to share receipts, and legitimate. That combination? Rare.

8. Istifanus Wabgula – Est. Net Worth: $6–8 Million

A former Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Wabgula delivers every time he speaks. Known for speeches that move hearts and policies that build homes.

Money sources

• Commissioner salaries + community development grants.

• Housing projects in Jos suburbs—decent source of passive income.

• Consultancy in local administration.

Why he’s in the mix
He might not be in Abuja, but he’s local—and local is the powerhouse of Plateau money.

9. Pukat Barde – Est. Net Worth: $5–7 Million

Technocrat-style politician Chief Pukat Barde deserves mention. He tested the waters of governorship, and though he didn’t win, he’s still influential.

Profit avenues

• Engineering consultancy fees (he once chaired infrastructure projects).

• Real estate stakes in Jos and Kafanchan.

• Hidden board memberships (electricity, water).

Worth noting
He’s your dream-home builder type mixed with governance savvy.

10. Abok Nuhu – Est. Net Worth: $4–6 Million

Last but not least, we have Hon. Abok Nuhu, the gentleman from Bokkos who serves as member of the state assembly. He’s built wealth the old-fashioned Plateau way—earnt it.

Money moves

• State assembly remuneration over multiple terms.

• Farming enterprise (especially fruits and seeds).

• Partnership in tourism initiatives around the Jos Wildlife Park (they say it’s catching).

Why he rounds up
He’s grassroots with economic impact—showing politics doesn’t have to stop at salaries.

Quick Money Recap

Final Musings: Lessons from Plateau’s Power Players

1. Born Local, Grown Local
   These folks didn’t chase capital—they built value at home. Being Plateau-born, they tapped into deep roots and stayed relevant.

2. Office is a Platform, Not a Money Machine
   The richest didn’t just cash salaries—they invested wisely (think land, banks, agriculture). Politics gave them access and networks, but money came from private enterprise.

3. Age Mix Matters
   We’ve got Uncle Jang and Uncle Useni-style veterans, but also fresh faces like Gyang and Abok Nuhu. Plateau’s political pipeline is alive and money-smart.

4. No Billionaire Vibes
   Most of these guys hover around $5–30 million—not Nigerian billionaire league. So there’s room for transparency and competition.

5. Smart is Sexy
   See the accountants, engineers, and bankers? Their track records show Nigeria’s wealth is now trending toward brains + integrity—more than just brute public power.

6. Women—Where Are You?
   Still missing from the top 10 is anyone identifying as a woman. That’s not just an observation—it’s a call to action for gender balance in Plateau’s wealth map.

For Plateau’s Future Politicians & Hustlers

• Serve first: Public office can’t just be about money—it must begin with impact.

• Invest early: Start land, farming, or energy projects while still young. Compound value matters.

• Build reputation: Honesty and consistency will take you farther than flashy headlines.

• Groom successors: Wealth is great—but legacy survives only when shared through mentorship and philanthropy.