A Breakdown of Goodluck Jonathan’s Net Worth and Income Sources

Goodluck Jonathan’s net worth is estimated at $100 million as of 2024, making him one of the richest politicians in Nigeria.

The 14th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria led the country from 2010 to 2015. The last time he declared his assets back in 2007, his net worth was estimated at $8 million. That figure has since skyrocketed owing to the fact that he has since served as Vice President and then President of the country. Here’s how the former president garnered his wealth.

Goodluck Jonathan’s Net Worth is Not Solely From Politics

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan may have garnered much of his wealth from politics but it certainly wasn’t the only way he has made a living. As a graduate of zoology; a master’s degree holder in hydrobiology and fisheries biology; and a doctorate in zoology from the University of Port Harcourt, he had great opportunities to work in different departments of many private and public firms.

He started working as a Preventive Officer at the Nigerian Customs Service. He was also an Assistant Director at the now-defunct Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development and Commission (OMPADEC). After serving for a short while, he was assigned the duty of Science Inspector of Education for Rivers State Ministry of Education. This, he also did for a short period of time, before getting himself a lecturing job at the Department of Biological Sciences, Rivers State College of Education.

Through diligence and consistency, Goodluck Jonathan rose to become the Head of the Environmental Protection Sub-Department of the Commission, before voluntarily resigning his appointment in 1998. It is not clear how much he earned from the various offices he occupied but they indeed were enough to help him build his now enviable net worth.

He Began His Political Career in 1999 as a Deputy Governor 

It was in 1998 that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan began his political journey, running as the deputy to the former Bayelsa State Governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. The pair won the election under the flag of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and were sworn into office on May 29, 1999. During his time as deputy governor, Goodluck was paid roughly over ₦2 million as basic salary per annum.

This, of course, does not include allowances like vehicle loans, health and duty tour allowances deputy governors like him received. When all these were included, he is believed to have pocketed roughly over N10 million as his total annual salary.

Goodluck Jonathan Briefly Served as a Governor

After 6 years as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Goodluck Jonathan stepped down so he could run for the office of the Governor. He joined the 2005 Bayelsa State Governorship race as the PDP flag bearer and was voted in as the new governor of the state. He remained in office as Bayelsa State governor from December 9, 2005, to May 29, 2007.

As the Governor of Bayelsa State, he was believed to have taken home ₦11,540,896 per annum as a basic salary. He succeeded Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha on December 9, 2005, and remained in office until he was succeeded by Timipre Sylva on May 29, 2007. Goodluck’s decision not to run for another term as the governor of Bayelsa State was so he could serve his people on a federal level, as the Vice President of Nigeria.

His Time as Vice President was Also Shortlived

In 2007, Goodluck Jonathan was named the running mate of late president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua for the 2007 presidential election. Succeding Atiku Abubakar, he assumed office as the Vice President of Nigeria on May 29, 2007.

Being the Vice President of Nigeria, he received roughly N12 million as his basic annual salary, and for the period of two years he was Vice President, he is believed to have accumulated roughly over N24 million, aside from every other remuneration entitled to his position. 

Goodluck Jonathan’s Net Worth Growth Over The Years

Goodluck Jonathan’s Net Worth 2023 $100 Million
Goodluck Jonathan’s Net Worth 2023 $87 million
Goodluck Jonathan’s Net Worth 2023 $75 million
Goodluck Jonathan’s Net Worth 2010 $54 million(estd.)
Goodluck Jonathan’s Net Worth 2007 $8.569 Million
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Goodluck Jonathan’s Net Worth was Boosted by Him Occupying Nigeria’s Highest Office for Six Years

Following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Goodluck Jonathan was sworn in as the President of Nigeria on May 5, 2010, after he had only been the acting President for a few months (February 9, 2010 – May 5, 2010). He continued as the president of Nigeria until May 29, 2015, after which he was succeeded by current President Muhammadu Buhari.

As the president of Nigeria, Goodluck took home an annual salary of ₦14,410,290.48. For the period of years he was president, he is believed to have accumulated wealth well enough to give his net worth a major boost. 

All The Political Positions Occupied by Goodluck Jonathan
  • Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State from 29 May 1999 to 9 December 2005
  • Governor of Bayelsa State from 9 December 2005 to 29 May 2007
  • Vice President of Nigeria from 29 May 2007 to 5 May 2010
  • Acting President of Nigeria from 9 February 2010 to 5 May 2010
  • Substantive President of Nigeria from 5 May 2010 to 29 May 2011
  • Elected President of Nigeria from 29 May 2011 to 29 May 2015

Other Contributors of Goodluck Jonathan’s Net worth

Besides his earnings from the positions he occupied during his political career, Goodluck Jonathan is believed to have businesses and investments in the private sector. However, he has chosen to keep these businesses private and far away from the media or public eyes.

The ex-president is also believed to earn little income from honorary awards and other appointments he has received over the years.

Honors and Awards of the Ex-president

Despite his failed attempt to serve a second term as President, Goodluck Jonathan received a number of accolades both home and abroad. They include:

  • On a national level, he received recognition as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
  • He also was honored as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
  • On March 12, 2014, the Namibian government honored him with a First Class of the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis.
  • The ex-president also received chieftaincy recognition as the Se lolia 1 of Wakirike Base.

Goodluck Jonathan’s National and International Appointments 

Since he vacated the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan has gone on to receive quite a number of appointments. They are:

  • Honorary Special Adviser to the Bayelsa Education Trust Fund Board in 2019.
  • Chairperson of the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP) in 2019.
  • Special Envoy of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS) in 2020.
  • Member of the ECOWAS Council of the Wise (CoW) in 2020.
  • International Election Observer in various countries like Zambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Mozambique.
  • Chancellor of Cavendish University, Uganda.

Of course, the above appointments come with different severance payments. However, Goodluck Jonathan, being one who doesn’t fancy letting the public in on his earnings, has kept all the details about them private.

FAQs

How Old Is Goodluck Jonathan?

Goodluck Jonathan is 66 years old in 2024. He was born 20 November 1957.

Where is Goodluck Jonathan Now?

Goodluck Jonathan currently resides in his hometown in Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

How Many Years Did Jonathan Rule As a President? 

Goodluck Jonathan ruled as president for six years (May 5, 2010 – 2015).

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