Top 10 Richest Politicians In Zamfara State

When you hear “Zamfara,” what comes to mind? Be honest—probably gold, cows, maybe some headlines on banditry or the blessed Hausa-Fulani culture. But let me blow your mind a bit: Zamfara is also home to some of the wealthiest political juggernauts in Nigeria.

Yes o! In between all the dry-season heat and dusty northern roads, there are men (and one or two hopeful women) who have built not just political empires, but bankable ones. These folks didn’t just sign bills and wave at crowds—they negotiated deals, invested smartly, and left (or still hold) office with more than a few digits in their accounts.

Now, this isn’t one of those recycled, robotic “richest man in each state” lists. Nah. This is the real deal—written with love, sarcasm, and the kind of energy that can only come from someone who truly wants to gist you well. So sit tight, grab your malt or zobo, and let’s unveil the top 10 richest politicians in Zamfara State—all homegrown, living, and politically grounded.

1. Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari – The Undisputed Wallet Warrior

Let’s be honest, if you’re talking about rich politicians in Zamfara and you don’t mention Yari first, then are you really from Zamfara?

Abdul’aziz Yari, former governor (2011–2019), is the type of political heavyweight that makes other politicians respectfully move to the side when he walks in. This man is the kind that builds houses in Abuja and still asks for a second bowl of tuwo with pride. Even though he's had his fair share of controversy (cue EFCC and ICPC visits), his financial muscle is not in doubt.

He’s been a two-time governor, senator, and even the chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum. From political consultations to construction and real estate, the man doesn’t just know governance—he knows the money trail too.

Estimated Net Worth: Around $50 million
Source of Wealth: Politics, real estate, construction deals, power networking

2. Bello Matawalle – The Gold and Glory Guy

If there’s one politician who’s mastered the art of turning adversity into advantage, it’s Bello Matawalle. This man’s journey reads like a political Nollywood blockbuster. He started from the House of Reps, became Zamfara State Governor (2019–2023), and somehow did a post-governorship glow-up to become Minister of State for Defence.

Some say his secret sauce is a golden touch—literally. As the governor of a state rich in gold, the whispers are that he wasn’t exactly mining just votes. From mining connections to logistics and federal influence, Matawalle made sure his bank account knew that his name wasn’t ordinary.

Estimated Net Worth: Between $45 million and $60 million
Source of Wealth: Mining, logistics, government contracts, political power

3. Dauda Lawal – The Banker Who Became Boss

Let’s talk about brains + banking = baller.

Governor Dauda Lawal, who came into office in 2023, is not your regular politician who stumbles into power and starts asking where to find the state budget file. No. This guy is a former Executive Director at First Bank. Meaning, he knew where the money was before he knew where Government House was.

Born and bred in Gusau, Lawal brought his financial discipline and knowledge into governance. And unlike others who made their millions after politics, this one brought the money with him into office.

Estimated Net Worth: $35 million – and counting
Source of Wealth: Banking, finance, consulting, and now—governance

4. Mukhtar Shehu Idris – The Governor That Almost Was

Now this one is a bittersweet tale. Mukhtar Shehu Idris was elected Governor in 2019. Everyone was dancing, supporters were flexing agbadas—and then boom, court wahala said his party didn’t do primaries right. So they took the seat from him and gave it to the opposition.

But here’s the thing: Idris is still very rich. A former Commissioner of Finance in Zamfara and a banking executive before that, he had already secured the bag long before his political heartbreak.

Estimated Net Worth: Around $25 million
Source of Wealth: Banking, finance, investments, political appointments

5. Sahabi Alhaji Yaú – The Quiet Legislative Billionaire (Okay, Multi-Millionaire)

Some people make so much money without making so much noise. Senator Sahabi Yaú is one of them. He represented Zamfara North and did so with quiet efficiency—no flamboyant drama, no scandalous headlines, just steady service and steady money-making moves.

He has interests in telecommunications, transport, and real estate. You won’t see him throwing birthday bashes in Dubai, but you will see his name on many influential contracts in the North.

Estimated Net Worth: $20 million
Source of Wealth: Telecom, logistics, real estate, political deals

6. Tijjani Yahaya Kaura – The Oil-Zone Power House

Let’s call him Zamfara’s export to Nigeria’s oil game. Tijjani Kaura, a seasoned politician and former Senator, is now the MD of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA). Basically, he manages places where people go to make money from oil—without disturbing Nigeria’s complex regulations.

He’s served in ministerial and senatorial capacities and has used his roles wisely. He also has business interests spread across Abuja, Zamfara, and Lagos.

Estimated Net Worth: $18 million
Source of Wealth: Energy, free trade zones, government appointments

7. Mahmud Shinkafi – The Elder Statesman Who Still Holds Power

When you’ve been around as long as Shinkafi, you’ve probably seen more balance sheets than some state commissioners combined. Mahmud was Governor from 2007 to 2011 and a long-time political fixture before and after.

He may not be shouting on TV or holding rallies every other weekend, but he’s still respected—and still banking serious coin from real estate, consulting, and agricultural ventures.

Estimated Net Worth: $15 million
Source of Wealth: Real estate, agriculture, consultancy, politics

8. Kabir Garba Marafa – Oil, Engineering, and Upper Chamber Moves

An engineer by training, Marafa was known for being fiery in the Senate chambers—especially when debates got hot. But beyond the headlines, Kabir Marafa has real business interests in mining and energy. He’s also been a player in upstream oil contracts and environmental consultancy.

Let’s just say, the man has more assets than Twitter trolls can count.

Estimated Net Worth: $12 million
Source of Wealth: Oil, mining, engineering consultancy

9. Lawali Hassan Anka – Agriculture and Ambition

Senator Lawali Anka is a bit of an underdog story. Representing rural communities, he used his position to empower farmers and push for agro-infrastructure. But that’s not all—he also quietly built wealth through agri-business ventures and inter-state transport businesses.

You won’t find his face on magazine covers, but his name rings bells in agri-supply chains.

Estimated Net Worth: $10 million
Source of Wealth: Farming, agro-logistics, transport

10. Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi – From Accountant to Political Strategist

Rounding off our list is Sani Shinkafi—a political advisor and strategist who rose from accountancy into Zamfara’s inner circle. Known for speaking frankly and advising governors, his consulting game is strong. He also made smart investments in schools, housing estates, and importation businesses.

He may not be the loudest guy in the room, but if money were volume, this guy is probably playing music on surround sound.

Estimated Net Worth: $8 million
Source of Wealth: Consulting, real estate, political advisory roles

✨ Final Thoughts: Zamfara’s Gold Isn’t Just Underground

So there you have it—Zamfara’s top 10 richest politicians. Not just paper pushers or microphone holders, but real men of means. Some made their millions in banks, others in oil, a few in mining, and many by combining sharp brains with sharper connections.

While the ordinary Zamfara youth is dreaming of starting a poultry farm, these men are buying farmland the size of a village and exporting eggs across West Africa.

What’s the lesson here? Politics may be tough in Zamfara, but if played smartly—with strategic investments, good PR, and the right network—it can be very, very profitable.