Forbes’ 2025 list of Black billionaires features six Nigerians, including Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, and Femi Otedola. These influential figures have amassed significant wealth in sectors like energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure, highlighting Nigeria’s growing prominence in the global business landscape.
In the newly released Forbes 2025 list of Black billionaires, six Nigerians have been recognized among the wealthiest individuals globally. These Nigerian business moguls are part of a select group of just 23 Black billionaires worldwide, who collectively hold an impressive $96.2 billion.
At the top of the list is Aliko Dangote, the chairman of Dangote Group, with a net worth of $23.9 billion. Dangote's wealth surged following the operational launch of the Dangote Refinery in early 2024, which boosted his fortune by $10.5 billion.
Mike Adenuga, owner of Globacom, ranks fifth on the list with a net worth of $6.8 billion, while Abdulsamad Rabiu, founder of BUA Group, is in sixth place with $5.1 billion.
Other Nigerians featured on the list include Adebayo Ogunlesi, the CEO of Global Infrastructure Partners, with a net worth of $2.2 billion. Ogunlesi’s company, GIP, was recently acquired by BlackRock for $12.5 billion.
Femi Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power, follows closely with a net worth of $1.5 billion. Otedola's investments in the energy sector have played a significant role in his fortune.
Lastly, Tope Awotona, founder of the scheduling software company Calendly, rounds out the list at number 14 with a net worth of $1.4 billion. The success of Calendly has made Awotona one of the leading figures in the tech industry.
These six Nigerians exemplify the growing influence of the country’s entrepreneurs in global markets, particularly in industries such as energy, technology, and infrastructure.
