Forbes 10 Richest Families in Nigeria (2020)

Wealthy families in Nigeria control about 80% of the happenings in today’s economy. Forbes has listed several wealthy Nigerian families who own assets and investments worth billions of dollars, as well as being influential in society.

In this article, we have in no particular order listed the top 10 richest Nigerian families and their Occupation.

Top Ten Richest Families in Nigeria 2020

1. Briggs Family

The first family on our list is the Briggs family. One of the richest men in the country Chief Olu Benson Lulu-Briggs the founder of Moni Pulo Limited (MPL) an indigenous Oil and Gas Company, is the head of this family.

Another popular figure in this family is the wife of Chief Lulu-Briggs, Mrs Seinye Lulu-Briggs. She in the current CEO of Racheal Hotels Limited, as well as one of the richest business women in Nigeria.

Before entering the business sector, she worked in the Civil Service. The family has made lots of investments which are worth millions of naira, making them very popular in the South-south region of Nigeria.

Also, another member of the Briggs family ranking among the list of richest people in Nigeria is Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs. Chief Dumo Lulu Briggs is a lawyer and former Executive Director and COO of Moni Pulo Limited.

2. Ibru Family

Another high ranking and powerful family in this list is the Ibru family. The family is one of the most powerful families in Nigeria, and owns one of the largest conglomerates in Nigeria the Ibru Organization.

The Ibru Organization was founded in 1956 and is very diverse in terms of their business endeavours. Some of their business endeavours include aviation, oil and gas, banking, shipping, and the agric sector. Micheal Ibru is the founder of the Ibru Organization, as he worked in the United Africa Company from 1951 to 1956 before partnering with Jimmy Large to establish the Labiru General Trading Company.

The Ibru Organization has grown into a vast business organization, with ventures in different sectors of the economy. Some of the members of the Ibru family include Micheal Ibru’s first son Olorogun Oskar Ibru, Felix Ibru, Alex Ibru, Oboden Ibru, and Cecilia Ibru.

3.Okoya-Thomas Family

Late Prince Molade Okoya- Thomas is the chairman of CFAO Nigeria Limited, as well as the former head of the wealthy Okoya-Thomas family.

Prince Okoya-Thomas studied accountancy at Columbia University in New York in 1981. After his graduation, he returned to Nigeria to work as an accountant for CFAO before being promoted to the post of chairman.

He was also the Director of some well-known companies, such as – Transcap Nigeria Limited, NFI Insurance Company Plc, Niger Motors Industries Limited, and Gateway Bank Plc.

Another important member of this family is Princess Olajumoke Abidemi Okoya-Thomas, who is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Lagos Island I Federal Constituency.

4. Dantata Family

One of the richest families in Nigeria is the Dantata family, as one of their sons Aliko Dangote originated from this powerful family. It was said that Alhassan Dantata the business head of the family was a trader who deal in kola nuts, groundnuts, and other businesses. He was referred to as one of the wealthiest men in West Africa when he was still alive.

Some of their other family members include:

• Ahmadu Dantata (1916-1960) his son and a politician
• Alhaji Abdulkadir Dantata, his grandson
• Alhaji Mudi Dantata (1918-2005) his son who is a successful Businessman
• Aliko Dangote (1957- ) his great grandson and Forbes richest black billionaire in the world
• Aminu Dantata (1931- ) his son and also a businessman
• Mamuda Dantata (1922–1983) his son who is the founder of the West African Pilgrims Association and a currency trader
• Sanusi Dantata (1917-1997) his son and a successful businessman

5. Fajemirokun Family

Another rich family on this list is the Fajemirokun family. This family is said to have assets and investments all over the country. One of the precursors of this family is Henry Oloyede Fajemirokun who is a key industrialist in Nigeria.

He also founded a pioneer company in the Nigerian Oil Industry, Henry Stephen. He also led the negotiations which brought about the establishment of a merchant bank.

Other wealthy and Powerful families in the list include:

6. Tejuosho Family

7. Tinubu Family

8. Saraki Family

9. Folawiyo Family

10. Igbinedion Family