Insight

• Infinity Media
• 7 Min Read

Zamfara State Billionaires: Top 10 Richest Men In Zamfara State

Hey there! Yes, you reading this on your phone, laptop, or maybe even while dodging your boss at work—welcome! Today, we’re going on a journey into the heart of Nigeria’s northwest: Zamfara State. But this isn’t about festivals or politics (well, not directly). We’re here to gist—real gist—about the richest men in Zamfara. Not the ones with loud G-wagons and gold chains (okay, maybe some of them are), but the real heavyweights shaping the economy, influencing the streets, and controlling power behind the scenes.

Zamfara might not always be in the national spotlight for positive news, but trust me, it has some seriously loaded men. We're talking wealth that can buy an entire street in Banana Island and still have change for a private jet fuel. These are men who made it through politics, business, banking, mining, and yes—gold! Because if you didn’t already know, Zamfara is basically sitting on a treasure chest of natural resources.

So let’s jump in. No boring Wikipedia bios here. This is straight-up Nigerian storytelling—passion, pizzazz, and pepper.

1. Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari – Mr. Former Governor, Mr. Money Moves

First up, we can’t talk Zamfara money without calling Yari. If you’ve lived in Nigeria in the last decade, you’ve definitely heard his name. This man ruled Zamfara as Governor from 2011 to 2019. But before that, he was already warming political seats and building influence.

With an estimated net worth of $50 million, Yari is not just wealthy; he’s Zamfara-level wealthy. That’s the kind of money that doesn't just buy cars—it buys contracts, loyalty, and political muscle.

So, where’s the money coming from?

• Politics, obviously. You think sitting as Governor for 8 years is just about signing papers? Yari made significant inroads into state finances and development deals.

• Real estate and infrastructure. Reports suggest he owns prime properties in Abuja, Kaduna, and of course, Gusau.

• Business ties to energy and construction industries—classic portfolio for any Nigerian political heavyweight.

He’s also had some EFCC attention, with headlines about unexplained wealth and expensive properties. But somehow, like many Nigerian politicians, Yari knows how to walk through fire without getting burned.

2. Bello Muhammad Matawalle – Gold & Governance Guru

Next up is the man who took over after Yari: Bello Matawalle. He served as Governor from 2019 to 2023 and currently holds a federal appointment. His story is quite the cinematic plot twist—switched parties midstream, negotiated with bandits (yes, you read that right), and played the game like a chess master.

He’s estimated to be worth around $40 million, and a lot of that wealth is tied to one major factor: gold. Zamfara is rich in solid minerals, and gold is the crown jewel. Matawalle reportedly built strong ties with local mining operations.

His income channels?

• Gold mining, obviously. Rumor has it, the man can smell a new deposit from a mile away.

• Real estate development. Multiple properties and projects, including state-funded ones.

• Political influence and contracts. From security-related deals to infrastructure, the money didn’t stop flowing.

He’s faced EFCC scrutiny too, with reports of unfinished government projects already paid for. You can’t hold political office in Nigeria and not get your own share of investigative drama, right?

3. Dauda Lawal – The Banker Who Became a Governor

Now, this guy is different. While others rose through the trenches of politics, Dauda Lawal built his fortune in banking. Before becoming the governor in 2023, he was Executive Director at First Bank Nigeria, one of the biggest banks in Africa. Let that sink in.

His estimated net worth is around $35 million. But what makes him interesting isn’t just the money—it’s his journey.

Imagine a banker with financial intelligence managing a state’s budget. It’s like giving an accountant the keys to a treasure chest—he knows where the gold is and how to multiply it.

Lawal’s wealth recipe?

• Banking. Years in senior banking roles built his financial fortress.

• Investment portfolios in real estate and agriculture.

• Smart governance. Since assuming office, he’s been praised for transparency—he even revealed the state’s account balance (₦4 million!) upon arrival.

If he keeps this up, Lawal might become a poster child for technocrat-governors who actually care about the people.

4. Mukhtar Shehu Idris – The Almost-Governor Who’s Still Loaded

Mukhtar Idris won the 2019 governorship election but didn’t get to warm the seat due to legal tussles. But guess what? He still ranks among the wealthiest men in Zamfara. Politics might’ve denied him the title, but money said, “You’re still one of us.”

How did he get there?

• Real estate deals. He’s known to have prime lands across major towns.

• Agriculture and logistics. He plays in the transport sector too.

• Finance background. He was Commissioner for Finance, so he understood where and how money flows in the state.

Let’s just say this: losing an election didn’t affect his income. That’s how you know a man is really rich.

5. Sahabi Ya’u – The Quiet Business Senator

If you’re the type who believes in “silent money,” you’ll like Sahabi Ya’u. Former senator, businessman, and someone who knows how to move quietly but effectively.

He reportedly has a net worth of around $20 million. No media noise, no paparazzi—just business and steady political influence.

Income sources:

• Government contracts—from telecoms to transport, he has hands in many pies.

• Oil and gas distribution

• Land development projects across Zamfara and beyond.

He’s the type of guy whose name doesn’t make the news unless it’s time to share dividends.

6. Tijjani Yahaya Kaura – The Technocrat Senator

Another big name in Zamfara is Tijjani Kaura, who moved from chemical engineering into politics, and eventually became a senator. He also led the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, and we all know how juicy that sector can be.

Estimated net worth? Around $18 million.

Where’s the cash from?

• Consultancy contracts in the energy sector.

• Government-linked oil and gas business.

• Property and investments.

If there was an award for "most corporate senator," Kaura would have at least three plaques.

7. Mahmud Shinkafi – The Legacy Leader

Shinkafi ruled as Governor between 2007 and 2011, but his influence and wealth didn’t fade with time. He’s part of the older class of Zamfara’s elite.

With a reported net worth of $15 million, he built his fortune through:

• Infrastructure development.

• Family-run businesses in agriculture and transportation.

• Real estate across key locations in Zamfara.

He’s one of those men who earned money, invested wisely, and continues to enjoy the benefits years after office.

8. Kabir Garba Marafa – The Engineering Politician

Before politics, Kabir Marafa was an engineer. He later became a two-term senator and built substantial wealth in oil and real estate. With about $12 million to his name, he’s doing just fine.

He’s vocal, sharp, and not afraid to speak his mind. You might not always agree with him, but you can’t ignore him.

9. Ikira Aliyu Bilbis – Media Mogul with Ministerial Pedigree

A former Minister of Information, Bilbis turned his communication skills into real wealth. His estimated net worth is around $10 million.

He made his money through:

• Media consultancy

• Publishing

• Development project partnerships

He’s one of the few on this list who earned big outside mining and politics.

10. Lawali Hassan Anka – The Farmer Senator

Lastly, we’ve got Lawali Anka, the agricultural kingpin of the group. As a senator, he promoted farming policies. As a businessman, he practiced what he preached.

With around $8 million, Anka has:

• Large-scale farms

• Import/export businesses

• Transport and supply chain systems

He’s proof that you don’t need oil to make millions in Nigeria—sometimes all you need is land and livestock.

Final Thoughts: Money, Power, and the Zamfara Balance

So, what’s the common thread among Zamfara’s richest men?

• Politics gave many of them access to wealth.

• Mining (especially gold) is a huge cash cow.

• Real estate remains a

reliable asset across Nigeria.

• Agriculture is still king in the north.

Some of these men are loved, some controversial, some under investigation—but one thing is clear: they’re rich, influential, and part of the fabric of Zamfara’s economy.

Young people, let this be your takeaway: not all wealth is loud. Some is quiet. Some is strategic. And most importantly, money without impact is just expensive selfishness. Hopefully, these names will inspire—not just for personal gain, but for societal growth.

Now, who’s your favorite on the list? Who do you think is using their money for good? Let’s gist in the comments! 👇