Top 10 Most Powerful People in Nigeria 2024
Most Powerful People in Nigeria 2024 – This list profiles the most powerful Nigerians in 2024 whose influence stems from their wealth, connections, or positions. Specifically, it examines 10 individuals driving change in Africa’s largest economy. To begin with, these prominent figures include political juggernauts who shape national policy. Likewise, billionaire industrialists on the list leverage economic clout. Moreover, generals and security heads impact Nigeria’s stability. Likewise, spiritual leaders and elder statesmen wield moral authority. Ultimately, these elites exercise outsized influence over Nigeria’s trajectory through their strategic investments, political capital, and networks.InformationGuideNigeria
Top 10 Most Powerful People in Nigeria 2024
The top 10 most powerful people in Nigeria in 2023 are:
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Live, Study and Work in Canada. No Payment is Required! Hurry Now click here to Apply >> Immigrate to Canada1. Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Tinubu is the current President of Nigeria. He previously served as Governor of Lagos State and Senator for Lagos West. As national leader of the APC, Tinubu helped elect Buhari as president in 2015. He leveraged his influence to become APC’s presidential candidate in 2023.
Widely called the Lion of Bourdillon, Tinubu has dominated Nigerian politics for decades through strategic maneuvers and coalition-building. As president, he wields tremendous power and continues to exert control within the country and his party “APC.
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2. Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote is Africa’s richest man and the owner of Dangote Group, the largest industrial conglomerate in West Africa. He has substantial interests in commodities including cement, sugar, flour, and salt across the continent.
Forbes estimates his net worth to be around $14.2 billion as of 2023. Beyond his immense wealth, Dangote wields significant influence in the Nigerian business arena. He rubs shoulders with top politicians, traditional rulers, and decision-makers. The Dangote Group provides thousands of jobs to Nigerians. Dangote’s industrial investments are transformative for Nigeria. He is currently building one of the world’s largest oil refineries in Lagos to help meet local demand for petroleum.Top 10 Most Powerful People in Nigeria 2023
3. General Christopher Gwabin Musa
As Chief of Defence Staff, General Musa leads Nigeria’s tri-service military apparatus, coordinating strategy between the Army, Navy and Air Force. He oversees the armed forces during a critical period as Nigeria continues to battle against insurgencies and existential security threats.
Gen. Musa previously served as the General Staff Officer 1 where he spearheaded major offensives to recapture territory from Boko Haram militants. His experience prosecuting the war on terror makes him a critical national security voice.
The president relies on Gen. Musa to shape security policy and strategy. Musa’s elevation to the highest echelon of military leadership also gives him clout within the officer corps across all branches of service.
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4. Sen. Godswill Akpabio
Akpabio is the current Senate President. He previously served as Governor of Akwa Ibom State from 2007 to 2015, before becoming Minister for Niger Delta Affairs.15 Best Stoning Machine in Nigeria
As the highest political office holder from Akwa Ibom, Akpabio wields significant influence. His rise from governor to senate president enables him to attract federal resources to the Niger Delta region.
Akpabio played a key role in the defection of PDP legislators to the APC during his first senate term. As Senate President, he remains influential within the ruling party.
Akpabio championed major infrastructure projects as governor. As head of the National Assembly, he now shapes national legislative policy. His regional networks make him one of Nigeria’s top power brokers.
5. Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike was born in Obio-Akpor, Rivers State in 1967. He served two terms as Governor of Rivers State before becoming Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.15 Best Creams for Harmattan in Nigeria
The trained lawyer rose from local government chairman to his current national position. Wike is an outspoken and bold challenger, having overcome many obstacles.
He was made a Minister even as an opposition leader by President Tinubu, an action that caused uproar in the main opposition’s camp. Wike wields huge influence.
As Rivers State Governor, Wike undertook major infrastructure projects. His mobilizational skills and resources make him a formidable political opponent.105 Good Morning My Love Messages
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6. Mike Adenuga
Billionaire industrialist Mike Adenuga is the founder and chair of Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecoms company after MTN. He also owns substantial oil exploration assets via Conoil Producing.
Forbes estimates Adenuga’s net worth to be around $6.7 billion as of 2023. He wields immense economic clout and has close ties to Nigeria’s political elite.
Beyond business, Adenuga’s philanthropic contributions to education, health, and rural development projects amplify his prestige nationwide. He is reserved, yet strategically vocal on public policy issues affecting the private sector.200 Romantic Message for Her
7. Olusegun Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo remains an influential elder statesman. He was Nigeria’s military Head of State in the 1970s before being democratically elected president from 1999 to 2007.
Obasanjo’s greatest imprint is his pan-Nigerian outlook. He is one of the few national figures who can speak up on issues and engage recalcitrant regional leaders. This gives him political leverage across various divides.
Through his foundation, the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, he advocates on international platforms for African development and democratic ideals. Although retired from politics, Obasanjo’s voice still carries weight in shaping narratives.
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8. David O. Oyedepo
Bishop David Oyedepo is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel and he is among the most powerful people in Nigeria. With tens of thousands of members across Nigeria and Africa, it is one of the largest Pentecostal congregations on the continent.
As Winners Chapel’s presiding bishop, Oyedepo has built an enormous religious empire and boasts an immense following amongst both elites and the working class. He is an author, education entrepreneur, and champion for entrepreneurship and leadership development.
Forbes estimates his net worth to be around $150 million. Oyedepo’s social clout stems from his spiritual influence as a successful ‘faith prosperity’ preacher and visionary church builder.NYSC Portal
9. Tony Elumelu
Tony Elumelu is a banker, investor, and philanthropist known for founding the United Bank for Africa (UBA), one of Nigeria’s largest retail banks. He currently chairs Heirs Holdings, a proprietary investment firm with interests in financial services, resources, real estate, and hospitality.
In 2010, Elumelu pioneered the Tony Elumelu Foundation which champions youth entrepreneurship across Africa. His philanthropy showcases his commitment to value creation on the continent.
Elumelu serves as an informal adviser and facilitator to several African political leaders, a role which gives him considerable influence. He is also the originator of the term “Africapitalism,” promoting private sector participation in Africa’s transformation.JAMB Portal
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10. Femi Otedola
Femi Otedola is the billionaire chairman of Geregu Power, a company that built and operates a 414 MW capacity power plant in Kogi State generating electricity for the national grid. He previously led Forte Oil PLC, an importer of fuel products.
With a net worth of around $1.2 billion, Otedola is currently the third richest man in Nigeria. He has a knack for befriending policymakers across party lines.
Otedola recently entered Nigeria’s power sector to align with infrastructure priorities. As electricity access remains a pressing issue, the scale and function of Otedola’s power plants strategically increase its influence. He also wields clout as a major shareholder in publicly listed companies including First Bank of Nigeria and Zenith Bank.
Conclusion
This diverse list illuminates Nigeria’s movers and shakers. Specifically, it highlights the most powerful people in Nigeria in 2024 and individuals who anchor the nation across business, politics, security, and religion. Their actions carry profound implications for Nigeria’s future direction. Ultimately, tracking how these powerful elites exert influence provides crucial insights. Likewise, their investments and policy priorities showcase Nigeria’s values. Moreover, their ability to drive change will determine if Nigeria remains a dominant African power. Therefore, examining these influential figures is key to understanding Nigeria’s social, economic, and political landscape.
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