The Top 10 Richest Men In Delta State 2025 And Their Net Worth shows the most successful rich men from Nigeria’s oil-rich “Big Heart State.” Benedict Peters tops this list with $2.7 billion. This makes him the richest man in Delta State and one of Africa’s wealthiest oil tycoons.
Delta State is located in the South-South region of Nigeria. The state is known for its vast oil and gas reserves in the Niger Delta. Delta State has produced many billionaires through oil, banking, real estate, and energy. These rich people have made their money through oil and gas, banking, real estate, agriculture, and entertainment.
Quick Summary: Top 10 Richest Men in Delta State 2025
- Benedict Peters – $2.7 billion (Oil & Gas, Mining, Aviation)
- Tony Elumelu – $1.5 billion (Banking, Energy, Investments)
- Jim Ovia – $980 million (Banking, Real Estate, Telecommunications)
- Ned Nwoko – $700 million (Real Estate, Law, Agriculture)
- Ayiri Emami – $600 million (Oil & Gas, Entertainment)
- Igho Sanomi – $500 million (Oil & Gas, Energy)
- Victor Ochei – $450 million (Gas, Power, Politics)
- Godwin Agofure – $450 million (Transportation, Oil & Gas)
- Emmanuel Emoefe – $450 million (Maritime, Oil Services)
- O’tega Emerhor – $400 million (Banking, Insurance, Oil)
How We Ranked Delta State’s Richest Men
Our ranking looks at many factors. These include oil and gas holdings, banking careers, real estate investments, business deals, and proven assets. We used criteria like businesses, investments, assets and personal property to judge the net worth of these rich people from Delta state.
1. Benedict Peters – $2.7 Billion
Benedict Peters is the richest man in Delta State with a net worth of $2.7 billion. He is the founder and CEO of Aiteo Group, Africa’s largest indigenous oil producer. Born in 1966 from Onicha-Olona in Delta State, Peters graduated from the University of Benin with honors in Geography and Regional Planning.
Key Wins:
- Founder and CEO of Aiteo Group
- Africa’s largest indigenous oil producer
- Owner of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 and Nembe Creek Trunk Line
- CEO of Bravura Holdings (mining company)
Major Business Deals:
- Aiteo Group (oil exploration, production, and distribution)
- Acquired OML 29 from Shell in 2014
- Launched Nembe crude oil grade in 2023
- Bravura Holdings (mining platinum, lithium, copper, gold across Africa)
- Aiteo Aviation Services
- Real estate and power generation
Properties & Assets:
- Oil blocks across Niger Delta
- 100,000 bpd refinery project in Warri
- Mining assets in 12 African countries
- Private aviation fleet
- Extensive real estate portfolio
2025 Highlights: In December 2023, Aiteo expanded by acquiring Mozambique’s Mazenga gas block, Africa’s largest onshore gas reserve with 19 trillion cubic feet of gas. Peters is also a born-again Christian and major philanthropist through the Benedict & Ella Peters Foundation.
2. Tony Elumelu – $1.5 Billion
Tony Onyemaechi Elumelu was born on March 22, 1963. He is a businessman, economist, and philanthropist. He is the chairman of Heirs Holdings, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Transcorp, and the founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. He is one of Africa’s leading investors and philanthropists.
Key Wins:
- Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA)
- Founder of Heirs Holdings
- Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation
- Former CEO of Standard Trust Bank
Major Business Deals:
- Heirs Holdings (investments in energy, real estate, hospitality, healthcare)
- United Bank for Africa operations across 20 African countries
- Transcorp (power, hospitality, oil and gas)
- Transcorp Hilton Hotel
- Ughelli Power Plant
Properties & Assets:
- UBA branches across Africa
- Power plants and energy infrastructure
- Luxury hotels and hospitality facilities
- Real estate across Nigeria and Africa
- Investment portfolios in multiple sectors
2025 Highlights: The Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 20,000 African entrepreneurs across 54 African countries with $100 million in funding. He is widely known as “Africapitalist” for promoting African entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
3. Jim Ovia – $980 Million
Jim Ovia is a famous businessman and the founder of Zenith Bank, one of the largest banks in Nigeria. Born in 1951 in Agbor, Delta State, his net worth is estimated at $980 million. Ovia has expanded his business interests into telecommunications, real estate, and technology.
Key Wins:
- Founder of Zenith Bank (1990)
- Zenith Bank named Best Bank in Nigeria multiple times
- Largest shareholder in Zenith Bank
- Founded Visafone (telecommunications)
Major Business Deals:
- Zenith Bank operations (tier-1 bank in Nigeria)
- Visafone telecommunications
- Civic Towers in Victoria Island, Lagos
- Real estate investments
- Technology and ICT ventures
Properties & Assets:
- Zenith Bank branches across Nigeria and Africa
- Civic Towers complex
- Telecommunications infrastructure
- Luxury properties
- Investment portfolios
2025 Highlights: His hard work in the banking industry made Zenith Bank a major financial institution in Africa. The bank has consistently been rated as one of the best banks in Nigeria and has won numerous international awards.
4. Ned Nwoko – $700 Million
Prince Ned Munir Nwoko is a businessman, lawyer, and politician with a net worth of $700 million. He was born on December 21, 1960, in Idumuje-Ugboko, Aniocha North LGA of Delta State. He is widely known for marrying Nollywood actress Regina Daniels.
Key Wins:
- Founder of Linas International Limited
- Successfully recovered over $300 million Paris Club debt for Nigeria
- Built Stars University, the first private university in North Central Nigeria
- Malaria eradication campaign across Africa
Major Business Deals:
- Linas International Limited
- Real estate development projects across Nigeria
- Large-scale farming and agriculture
- Mount Ned Resort (tourism)
- Stars University, Idah
Properties & Assets:
- Stars University campus and facilities
- Mount Ned Resort in Idumuje-Ugboko
- Extensive farmlands across Nigeria
- Real estate in Abuja, Lagos, and abroad
- Private jet and luxury properties
2025 Highlights: Ned Nwoko made his list with his net worth value assessed to be worth over $700 million. He is also involved in major health projects, including his campaign for malaria eradication across Africa.
5. Ayiri Emami – $600 Million
Ayiri Emami is a wealthy businessman from the Itsekiri tribe with a net worth of $600 million. He made his fortune in the oil and gas sector and has diversified into entertainment and other ventures. He is known for his lavish lifestyle and philanthropic work in Delta State.
Key Wins:
- Major oil and gas investor
- Traditional leader (Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom)
- Entertainment sector investments
- Youth empowerment advocate
Major Business Deals:
- Oil and gas exploration and production
- Entertainment investments (Nigerian movies)
- Real estate development
- Logistics and oil services
- Political investments
Properties & Assets:
- Oil and gas investment stakes
- Entertainment production facilities
- Real estate across Nigeria
- Luxury vehicles and properties
- Traditional palace holdings
2025 Highlights: He is also known for supporting local community development and contributing to Delta State’s economy. His influence extends to both business and traditional leadership in the Warri area.
6. Igho Sanomi – $500 Million
Igho Sanomi is one of Nigeria’s youngest billionaires and a leading figure in the energy sector. He is the founder and CEO of Taleveras Group, an oil and gas company. Born in 1978, he became a billionaire before turning 40 years old.
Key Wins:
- Founder and CEO of Taleveras Group
- One of Africa’s youngest billionaires
- Forbes-recognized energy entrepreneur
- Strategic oil and gas investor
Major Business Deals:
- Taleveras Group (oil trading and distribution)
- Oil and gas exploration
- Energy sector investments
- Real estate development
- International energy partnerships
Properties & Assets:
- Oil trading facilities and infrastructure
- Real estate across Nigeria and abroad
- Energy sector investments
- Luxury properties and vehicles
- International business operations
2025 Highlights: With an estimated net worth of $500 million, Igho Sanomi is actually one of the billionaire men in Delta. His company Taleveras is a major player in Nigeria’s energy sector.
7. Victor Ochei – $450 Million
Victor Ochei is an entrepreneur and politician with a net worth of $450 million. He is the former Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly. He has made major investments in the gas and power industries, which have helped improve Delta State’s energy supply.
Key Wins:
- Former Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly
- Major gas and power investor
- Political influencer in Delta State
- Energy sector entrepreneur
Major Business Deals:
- Gas ventures and distribution
- Power generation projects
- Real estate investments
- Political consulting
- Energy infrastructure development
Properties & Assets:
- Gas and power infrastructure
- Real estate across Delta State
- Energy generation facilities
- Political investment assets
- Luxury properties
2025 Highlights: Ochei has played an important role in local politics and business. His work in the gas and power sectors has contributed to improving Delta State’s energy infrastructure.
8. Godwin Agofure – $450 Million
Chief Godwin Agofure is the founder and owner of God Is Good Motors (GIGM), one of Nigeria’s leading transportation companies. His net worth is around $450 million. GIGM operates buses that transport people across Nigeria and has expanded to various African countries.
Key Wins:
- Founder and CEO of God Is Good Motors (GIGM)
- Leading transportation company in Nigeria
- Diversified into oil and gas
- Created thousands of jobs
Major Business Deals:
- GIGM transportation operations
- Bus terminals across Nigeria
- Oil and gas sector investments
- Real estate development
- International expansion to African countries
Properties & Assets:
- Large fleet of luxury buses
- Bus terminals across Nigeria
- Oil and gas investment stakes
- Real estate holdings
- Transportation infrastructure
2025 Highlights: Agofure has also invested in the oil industry, helping grow his wealth further. GIGM is known for its comfort, safety, and reliability in the Nigerian transport sector.
9. Emmanuel Emoefe – $450 Million
Emmanuel Emoefe, also known as Emma Emoefe, is the founder of Portplus Limited. This is a maritime and oil services company that operates both in Nigeria and internationally. He is from Isoko tribe with an estimated net worth of $450 million.
Key Wins:
- Founder of Portplus Limited
- Maritime and oil logistics expert
- International business operations
- Major job creator in Delta State
Major Business Deals:
- Portplus Limited (maritime services and oil logistics)
- Oil and gas transportation
- Shipping and logistics
- Real estate investments
- Equipment leasing
Properties & Assets:
- Maritime vessels and ships
- Oil logistics infrastructure
- Real estate across Nigeria
- Shipping facilities
- International business operations
2025 Highlights: Emoefe has used his wealth to create jobs in Delta State and contribute to local development initiatives. He is an all-around business investor who has diversified business setup.
10. O’tega Emerhor – $400 Million
Olorogun O’tega Emerhor is a well-known businessman with investments in banking, insurance, and oil. His net worth is around $400 million. His company, Standard Alliance Insurance, is one of Nigeria’s largest insurance providers.
Key Wins:
- Founder of Standard Alliance Insurance
- Major banking sector investor
- Oil and gas holdings
- Former Delta State gubernatorial candidate
Major Business Deals:
- Standard Alliance Insurance operations
- Banking sector investments
- Oil and gas ventures
- Real estate development
- Political consulting
Properties & Assets:
- Insurance company facilities
- Banking sector holdings
- Oil investment stakes
- Real estate across Nigeria
- Political investment assets
2025 Highlights: Emerhor has also been involved in Delta politics, further cementing his influence in the state. His business empire spans multiple sectors, making him one of Delta’s most diversified investors.
Wealth Distribution Trends in Delta State
The Top 10 Richest Men In Delta State 2025 And Their Net Worth reveals interesting patterns about wealth creation in the region. Delta State is one of Nigeria’s highest oil-producing states. The state generates massive revenue through crude oil production in the Niger Delta.
Key Observations:
- Oil and gas dominate wealth creation
- Banking sector creates massive fortunes
- Real estate remains highly profitable
- Maritime and logistics offer opportunities
- Entertainment sector is emerging
The combined wealth of these ten people exceeds $8 billion. This shows the massive economic potential within Delta State, driven primarily by its oil and gas resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benedict Peters is the richest man in Delta State with a net worth of $2.7 billion. The founder and CEO of Aiteo Group, Africa’s largest indigenous oil producer, has built his fortune through oil exploration, mining, and aviation across Africa.
Benedict Peters made his fortune through Aiteo Group, which he founded in 2008. His company acquired Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29 from Shell in 2014 and has grown to become Africa’s largest indigenous oil producer. He has also diversified into mining through Bravura Holdings.
The main wealth-making sectors include oil and gas, banking, real estate, maritime services, transportation, and agriculture. Delta State’s position in the Niger Delta provides vast opportunities in the energy sector.
Yes, Tony Elumelu is a billionaire with a net worth of $1.5 billion. He made his wealth through banking as Chairman of UBA, and investments through Heirs Holdings in energy, real estate, and hospitality.
Delta State is one of Nigeria’s highest oil-producing states. The vast oil and gas reserves in the Niger Delta have created many opportunities for wealth through oil exploration, banking the oil sector, and related businesses.
Ned Nwoko is famous for recovering over $300 million Paris Club debt for Nigeria, building Stars University, his malaria eradication campaign, and marrying Nollywood actress Regina Daniels. His net worth is estimated at $700 million.
Ughelli, Warri, and Agbor areas have produced many of Delta State’s wealthiest individuals. These areas benefit from oil production activities and strong business traditions.
Conclusion: Delta State’s Economic Leadership
The Top 10 Richest Men In Delta State 2025 And Their Net Worth shows the remarkable success stories from Nigeria’s oil-rich “Big Heart State.” From Benedict Peters’ $2.7 billion oil and mining empire to Tony Elumelu’s banking and investment success, these leaders have created massive value while contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.
Delta State’s richest people are a mix of oil tycoons, bankers, maritime experts, and entrepreneurs. Each contributes to the state’s economic and social development. Their success stories show how leveraging the state’s oil wealth, combined with business skills and strategic investments, can create lasting fortunes.
What do you think about this ranking? Who deserves to be higher on the list? Share your thoughts about the Top 10 Richest Men In Delta State 2025 And Their Net Worth in the comments below!
Related Articles:
