In Nigeria, politicians are elected to serve in the Senate as representatives of their people. Asides from being the people’s mouthpiece, some of these senators have already established businesses and investments that sum up to their estimated net worth and wealth. The article contains the richest senators in Nigeria with a peek into their achievements as senators, their other income streams, and how they spend their money.
The Top 10 Richest Senators in Nigeria
Nigeria has 109 duly elected senators representing each of the country’s 109 Senatorial Districts in the National Assembly at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Below are ten (10) of the richest.
1. Bukola Saraki
- Age: 61 years old
- Net worth: $2 Billion
- Active in Politics Since: 2000
- Other sources of income: Real estate, Investments
- State of Origin: Kwara State
Bukola Saraki is a 61-year-old Nigerian seasoned politician who tops the list of the richest senators in Nigeria. Saraki took off his political journey in 2000 when president Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him Special Assistant to the president on budget. He has served as the Executive Governor of Kwara State for two terms (2003 – 2011). Also, Bukola served as the Senate President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2019 and represented the Kwara Central Senatorial District from 2011 to 2019. He has a whopping net worth of $2 billion.
Before venturing into politics, Bukola Saraki has made wealth for himself and is comfortable as a result of his several business endeavors. He has shares in various countries in Africa and Europe and investments in the agricultural sector. Some of his companies include Oando, African Petroleum, Airline Catering, Merrill BBH Fund, Gensoft, and Central Petroleum, amongst others.
At the expiration of his tenure, the ex-Nigerian Senate President was highly commended for his efforts and achievements while in office. He passed 201 Bills and cleared 138 public petitions- the first and highest in the history of the Nigerian Senate. Moreso, Bukola was applauded for his strong stand against fuel subsidy which had been a total waste of the country’s resources. He, also, put in extensive effort in intervening in the poisoning crisis in Zamfara State in 2010. Currently, Bukola Saraki holds no political position in the country but has remained a force to reckon with in Nigerian politics.
What’s more, Bukola Saraki spends a good part of his money on cars. He has the following cars in his collection; Bulletproof Range Rover, Mercedes Benz S550; E300, CLK320, and Toyota Hilux. He has mansions in Lekki Phase 1, Bryanston Square London, 69 Bourne Street London S.W 3.56. Furthermore, he is actively involved in philanthropy via his foundation Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation.
2. David Mark
- Age: 76 years old
- Net worth: $2 Billion
- Active in Politics Since: 1999
- Other sources of income: Joy FM (96.5), Investments
- State of Origin: Benue State
With a net worth of $2 billion, David Mark occupies the top position alongside Bukola Saraki. He served as the Senate President of Nigeria from 2007 to 2015 and represented Benue South senatorial district from 1999 to 2019. Having been in the senate since 1999, David Mark is not only the oldest serving Nigerian Senator but also the richest. David began his political career in 1999 when he was elected as the Senator representing Benue South in the 1999 general election.
During his service in these tenures, David proved his great leadership skills and crisis management abilities. He influenced the set up of the National Open University (NOUN) of Nigeria study center, Oturkpo, and built from the scratch a full study center to facilitate the education of the people. In the aspect of health, the former Senate President donated a multi-million naira health center to Egba-Agatu and Akpegede- Otukpo communities. Also, Senator Mark invested heavily in Scholarships. In 2014 alone, more than 13,000 students benefited from the N900 million he donated to this cause.
Despite the fact that he made a huge part of his net worth through politics, David Mark also earns well from his radio station located in his hometown in Otukpo. Apart from this, his other investments and businesses are not public knowledge. In his garage, you will find cars like Ferrari, BMW X6, Mercedes Benz G-Wagon, Range Rover, and other exotic cars that are not disclosed.
3. Rochas Okorocha
- Age: 61 years old
- Net worth: $1.4 Billion
- Active in Politics Since: 1990s
- Other sources of income: Rochas Group of Companies, Real Estate
- State of Origin: Imo State
One of the richest senators in Nigeria is the former Governor of Imo State Owelle Rochas Okorocha. He served as the 5th Governor of Imo State for two terms, from 2011 to 2019 and then in June 2019, was sworn in as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Imo State West District at the 9th Nigeria Senate. His first political position was as a member of the Federal Character Commission National Constitutional Conference.
Senator Rochas Okorocha has been in office for almost three years but there has not been any record of his personal achievements so far. Including his thriving political career, Rochas Okorocha has other lines of successful businesses. He reportedly owns an oil and gas station in one of the northern states, and a chain of other investments. He is worth $1.4 billion. Okorocha’s philanthropic gestures through his foundation Rochas Foundation had under distinct circumstances, gained him a lot of fame.
The former Imo State governor knows how to spend his money on luxuries such as expensive cars and houses. He has a $2.5 Million grandeur mansion in his hometown Mbierie, Imo State. In his car collection, you will find cars like a Mercedes-Benz Klassen V220, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Mercedes-Benz AMG63, Mercedes-Benz S600, and Lexus LX 570 among others. In addition, Rochas owns two private jets, one of which is reportedly worth N700 million.
4. Andy Uba
- Age: 65 years old
- Net worth: $1.7 Billion
- Active in Politics Since: 2007
- Other sources of income: Investments
- State of Origin: Anambra State
Emmanuel Nnamdi Uba, better known as Andy Uba, is a Nigerian politician and ex-Senator that represented the Anambra South Senatorial District from 2011 to 2019. Prior to that, Andy Uba won the 2007 Anambra State governorship election but was after one month, declared inordinately elected by the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
In his tenure as a Senator, Andy Uba sponsored 17 Bills that cover the areas of Consumer Protection, Transportation, Agriculture, Public Administration, Arbitration, and Infrastructure. One of the motions he moved was against the increasing rate of dropped calls and other unhealthy practices by Nigerian telecommunication network operators that have robbed people of their hard-earned money. His other motion that directly affected southeastern Nigeria is the commencement of immediate action on the Second Niger Bridge.
Similarly, Andy Uba has amassed a net worth pegged at $1.7 billion, earning him a spot on the list of richest Senators in Nigeria. In 2016, Sahara Reporters reported that on his assets declaration form, Andy said he has a house worth ₦1 billion located at 49 TY Danjuma Street, a six-room house at 26 Mamman Nasir Street purchased in 2006 for N650 million, both in Asokoro, Abuja, a three-room house at Edo Court, Gaduwa in Abuja, $102k in a US bank, among other assets. His garage is stocked with exotic cars like;
- Mercedes- Maybach S-class
- Toyota Landcruiser Prado
- Toyota Highlander
- A Mercedes Benz S550
- BMW 7
5. Oluremi Tinubu
- Age: 63 years old
- Net worth: $1.2 Billion
- Active in Politics Since: 1999
- Other sources of income: Book sales, other business investments
- State of Origin: Ogun State
Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of one of the most influential figures in Nigerian politics, Chief Bola Tinubu, is also one of the richest senators in Nigeria. In addition to Stella Oduah, Oluremi Tinubu is another female Senator in Nigeria that made the rich list. She is among the longest-serving lawmakers in the National Assembly. Oluremi Tinubu is the former First Lady of Lagos State and is currently serving as a Senator representing the Lagos Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly.
Her first political position was when she became the First Lady of Lagos State in 1999. Her husband, Bola Tinubu served as Governor of the State for two terms, and the second term expired in 2007, and so did her position as First Lady. After three years, in 2010, Oluremi took off on her personal journey in politics. She was elected in the 2011 general election as a Senator to represent Lagos Central. She is in her third consecutive tenure as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Since she started operating as a Senator, Mrs. Tinubu has continued to touch lives in Lagos State and beyond. Having spent over a decade in office and within this period, the former First Lady has been championing the cause of women. In March 2021, Senator Oluremi proposed a Bill to reform the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) and make it a more viable entity. Also, he supported a bill of life in jail for kidnappers. Among the awards she has received is the one for the Most Impactful Female Senator at The Guardian organized International Women’s Day Summit 2021.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu is worth a massive $1.2 billion. She spends her money largely on philanthropy. Through her NGO, New Era Foundation (NEF), the three-time Senator constantly engages in community services and the development of Nigerian Youth. Meanwhile, in terms of acquisitions, Oluremi is often associated with her husband’s properties. Bola Tinubu has a multibillion naira mansion at Ikoyi and the same across the country. However, her personal cars include a Bulletproof Range Rover, Toyota Hilux, Lexus LX 570, and Mercedes Benz S550.
6. Orji Uzor Kalu
- Age: 63 years old
- Net worth: $1.1 Billion
- Active in Politics Since: 1999
- Other sources of income: Print Media, Oil and Gas
- State of Origin: Abia State
With a net worth estimated at $1.1 billion, Orji Uzor Kalu is one of the richest Senators in Nigeria. The Nigerian politician served as the 7th Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007 and is currently serving as a Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District as well as the Chief Whip of the House of Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Prior to his election as a governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu was the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Peoples Political Alliance (PPA).
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has been in office as a Senator for barely three years and has done considerably well in representing the people. He hugely invested in empowering women of Abia north in starting up several businesses of their own. According to Benjamin Kalu, the Nigerian House Of Representatives spokesperson, electing Orji Uzor Kalu to the Senate was the best thing that happened to Abia North Senatorial Zone. One of his numerous interventions is the rehabilitation of twelve (12) primary schools in Aba North local government.
Orji Uzor Kalu is the Chairman of SLOK Holding, the Daily Sun, and New Telegraph newspapers in Nigeria. He also owns a major stake in the Enyimba Football Club of Aba. These among his other business endeavors rounded up his net worth to a tune of $1.1 billion.
Senator Kalu owns expensive houses in his hometown and other choice locations in the world. Moreso, he is a luxury car collector with the following cars in his garage; Bentley Continental, Range Rover, Mercedes Benz S550, Mercedes Benz C Class, and others. According to records, Orji Uzor Kalu has about 7 private jets, including the OUK-N7 and the Gulfstream G650 model.
7. Dino Melaye
- Age: 50 years old
- Net worth: $800 Million
- Active in Politics Since: 2015
- Other sources of income: MacDonald’s Investments, Book sales, Real Estate
- State of Origin: Kogi State
Dino Melaye was the Senator that represented the Kogi West Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019. The 50-year-old politician is well known for his lavish lifestyle and controversial proclamations, especially on social media. From releasing sarcastic video clips of Muhammadu Buhari to leading several protests, he is considered one of the most controversial Nigerian politicians. Before he took up his position as a Senator, Dino Melaye was a Nigerian legislator, congressperson, and an active member of the PDP. He is one of the richest senators in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, serving as a Senator, Dino moved the highest number of Bills and motions in the Senate. He donated over 1,000 grinding machines and start off aid in the form of cash to artisans, and computers to secondary schools to enhance students in the present world of information technology. Again, Dino attracted more than 30 federal projects to his Senatorial districts across the 7 local governments of Kogi, building schools, infrastructures, and hospitals.
According to Dino Melaye, a larger part of his net worth estimated at $800 million did not come from his political career but from his successful businesses. His enormous wealth affords him a life of luxury. He often posts on his Instagram page his luxury belongings which include expensive jewelry, branded watches and shoes, designer outfits, and his lavishly furnished mansions. Senator Dino Melaye has a mansion in Abuja estimated to be worth ₦2.1 billion and another in his hometown in Kogi State estimated at around ₦365 million.
What’s more, Dino’s affection for luxury vehicles is insatiable. Below is a list of vehicles accessible in his garage and their prices:
- Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 (₦250 million)
- Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs (₦825 million)
- Lamborghini Gallardo (₦73 million)
- Porsche Panamera (₦29 million)
- Mercedez G Wargon Limo (3) (₦436 million each)
- Classic Rolls Royce (₦180 million)
- Rolls Royce Phantom (₦163. 3 million)
- Bentley Continental (₦92 million)
- Chevrolet Corvette (₦ 44 million)
- Range Rover (₦54 million)
- Ferrari (₦145 million)
8. Stella Oduah
- Age: 62 years old
- Net worth: $700 million
- Active in Politics Since: 2011
- Other sources of income: Oil and Gas
- State of Origin: Anambra State
Stella Oduah is currently a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing the Anambra North Senatorial District. She assumed the position in June 2015. Before then, she served as the Federal Minister of Aviation from 2011 to 2014. Stella was actively involved in the political campaign of ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan where she served as his campaign’s Director of Administration and Finance.
With Stella Oduah, we can see that the Nigerian senatorial seats are not only reserved for men but females too. Some of her achievements include efforts in infrastructural development in the construction and rehabilitation of many roads in her constituents, ICT centers, school block buildings, water borehole projects, street light projects in various local governments, and skill acquisition training and empowerment programs.
In terms of empowerment, the former minister of Aviation put in relentless effort in granting impoverished women with the Ego Mbido Afia scheme which is designed to elevate the petty trades of the woman selling Okpa, Akara, or vegetables by the street corner. Interestingly, the grants were issued to well more than 13,000 women.
With her net worth of $700 million, Stella Oduah did not start with politics but as a staunch businesswoman. She is the owner of Sea Petroleum and Gas Company Limited, Tour Afrique Company Limited, Sea Shipping Agency Limited, and Rotary Engineering Services Limited. Moreso, she reportedly owns four properties in the UK that are worth ₦5 billion. She was, in 2017 embroiled in a controversy over using public funds to purchase a ₦255 million bulletproof car. The BMW is the only car linked to her name online.
9. Godswill Akpabio
- Age: 61 years old
- Net worth: $550 Million
- Active in Politics Since: 2002
- Other sources of income: N/A
- State of Origin: Akwa Ibom State
On the number nine spot on our list of richest senators in Nigeria is the celebrated former governor of Akwa Ibom State. Godswill Akpabio is a seasoned Nigerian politician with a net worth estimated at $550 million. He began his political career in 2002 when he was appointed the Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources of Akwa Ibom. He also served as the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Lands and Housing between 2002 and 2006
Then in 2006, Akpabio contested for and won the Governorship position of Akwa Ibom State. He served for two tenures and completed it in 2015. Upon completing his second tenure as a governor, he contested and won the Akwa Ibom northwest Senatorial Seat. He served only one tenure as a senate representative of Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District from 2015 to 2019 and also as the Senate Minority Leader from 2017 to 2018. In August 2019, he assumed his current office as a Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.
In recognition of his milestone as the governor, the people of Ikot Ekpene elected him as their representative in the Senate and he did not miss out on representing them well. His tenure saw the empowerment of over 450 farmers in his constituents with N250,000 each, and free medical care for pregnant women, the aged, and children, among many others.
Having worked in various capacities in government, the Nigerian lawyer has gathered $550 million. He owns a Bulletproof Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van, Mercedes Benz, and Toyota Hilux. Apart from his house in Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio reportedly has several landed properties both within and across the country. He further spends his money on charity through his non-profit organization, Godswill Akpabio Foundation.
10. Muhammad Ali Ndume
- Age: 64 years old
- Net worth: $500 million
- Active in Politics Since: 2003
- Other sources of income: N/A
- State of Origin: Borno State
Muhammad Ali Ndume is a Nigerian Senator representing Borno State in the National House of Assembly. Before he was elected to the Senate in April 2011, he was a Member House of Representatives of Nigeria for Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal constituencies from 2003 to 2011. The politician has also served as a Majority Leader from 2015 to 2017 when he was replaced by the incumbent President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan.
So far in office, Senator Ali Ndume has sponsored many Bills and moved several motions in the Parliament, Electoral Act Amendment Bill, and the Constituencies alongside 20 of his colleagues which eventually integrated into the present ruling party, APC. Muhammad Ali’s achievements will remain ineffaceable in the eyes of the people of the North East for sponsoring the North East Development Commission Bill.
In July 2021, he donated Cheques amounting to N40 million for the empowerment of thousands of farmers, traders, and students. Furthermore, he distributed 3 trucks of improved maize seed varieties and 10 trucks of fertilizers to farmers across the 9 LGAs to enhance farming activities in the senatorial district.
Senator Muhammad Ali Ndume has a net worth of $500 million, thanks to his massive income as a senator. Meanwhile, Ndume is not a man that flaunts his wealth. He loves his privacy, hence, not much is known about his other businesses within and outside the country. However, he has a landed property situated at Plot158 Cadastral Zone AO2. Some of his known cars include a Mercedes Benz S-Class, Toyota Landcruiser Prado, and Jeep Wrangler.
Recap of the 10 Richest Senators in Nigeria and Their Net Worth
- Bukola Saraki – $2 Billion
- David Mark – $2 Billion
- Andy Uba – $1.7 Billion
- Rochas Okorocha – $1.4 Billion
- Oluremi Tinubu – $1.2 Billion
- Orji Uzor Kalu – $1.1 Billion
- Dino Melaye $800 Million
- Stella Oduah – $700 Million
- Godswill Akpabio – $550 Million
- Muhammad Ali Ndume – $500 Million