When you hear the name Adamawa State, what comes to your mind first? For many, it’s a state blessed with rich culture, amazing landscapes, and agriculture that feeds millions. But beyond all that, Adamawa has also produced some of Nigeria’s wealthiest and most influential people—men and women who have built empires, made names for themselves, and left footprints across politics, business, education, and philanthropy.

So, today, let’s gist about the top 10 richest people from Adamawa State. Grab your tea (or kunu if you’re from the North), because this is not just a dry list of names—it’s a story of hustle, resilience, power, and of course, plenty of money.

1. Atiku Abubakar – The Billionaire Businessman & Political Juggernaut

If you’ve ever followed Nigerian politics, you definitely know Atiku Abubakar. Born in Jada, Adamawa, on 25th November 1946, Atiku is more than just a politician—he’s a businessman, an educationist, and a philanthropist.

He made his early money while working in the Nigerian Customs Service, but that was just the beginning. Today, Atiku has investments in oil and gas logistics (through Intels Nigeria Ltd), agriculture, real estate, education, and even media. He also founded the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, often described as the “Harvard of Africa.”

One fun fact? Atiku has been called Nigeria’s largest private employer of labour because of how many jobs his companies provide. His estimated net worth sits between $1.4–1.8 billion. That’s not small change o! Love him or hate him, you can’t talk about Adamawa’s richest without mentioning Atiku.

2. Abdullahi Bashir Haske – The Young Oil Baron

Now, let’s talk about someone who’s young, fresh, and already making waves. Abdullahi Bashir Haske, born in December 1987 in Yola, is one of the youngest multimillionaires from Adamawa. At just 37, this guy has already built an empire that many people twice his age are still dreaming about.

He is the founder and Group Managing Director of AA&R Investments, a company with interests in oil and gas, agriculture, logistics, aviation, marine services, and ICT. His subsidiary, Etihad Oilfield Services, made headlines when they struck oil in Bauchi’s Kolmani River region. Imagine the bragging rights of being the man who discovered oil in Nigeria’s North!

And guess what? He also holds the traditional title of Ciroma-Ganye of Adamawa. His net worth is estimated around $350–800 million. Clearly, Haske is proof that age is just a number when it comes to success.

3. Nuhu Ribadu – From Anti-Corruption Crusader to Wealthy Statesman

If you’ve ever heard about Nigeria’s fight against corruption, you’ve heard about Nuhu Ribadu. Born in 1960 in Yola, Ribadu was the pioneer Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and he really shook things up when he was in charge.

But after EFCC, Ribadu didn’t just sit back. He diversified his interests into agriculture, real estate, international consultancy, and security ventures. Today, his net worth is pegged between $60–450 million.

One thing about Ribadu is that he has managed to combine a reputation for integrity with serious business acumen. That’s not an easy balance in Nigerian politics.

4. Aisha Buhari – Beauty, Business, and Big Influence

Did you know Nigeria’s former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, is from Adamawa State? Born in 1971, Aisha is more than just a political figure. Before becoming Nigeria’s First Lady, she was already an entrepreneur and educationist.

She owns the Hanzy Spa and Beauty Institute in Kaduna and Abuja, and she’s involved in real estate and agriculture too. Beyond business, she runs a foundation that focuses on women empowerment, education, and health.

Her net worth is estimated between $50–350 million. For many young women in Nigeria, Aisha is proof that you can blend beauty, brains, and business and still make a mark on society.

5. Bindow Umaru Jibrilla – The Businessman Governor

When you talk about leaders who made serious money before politics, Bindow Jibrilla deserves a shoutout. Born in 1965, Bindow became the Governor of Adamawa State in 2015 and served till 2019. But before politics, he was already a successful businessman.

Through Bindow Group of Companies, he invested in construction, real estate, hospitality, and manufacturing. He even owns Hilltop Hotels, which is one of the most notable hotels in Yola.

His estimated net worth ranges from $50–300 million. Clearly, Bindow didn’t enter politics broke—he was already a man of means.

6. Boss Mustapha – The Gentleman Technocrat

Now, let’s talk about Boss Mustapha—and yes, “Boss” is his real name. He is a lawyer and public administrator who became the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) under President Muhammadu Buhari.

Boss Mustapha has been around the block, working in law, business, and governance for decades. His wealth comes from law practice, real estate, agriculture, and boardroom roles. His estimated net worth is around $30–250 million.

He is known for being calm, professional, and influential both in business and in politics.

7. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah – The Security Expert with Business Sense

If you know anything about Nigeria’s drug law enforcement, you might remember Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah. He is a retired military officer who later became the Chairman of the NDLEA.

But beyond his service, Abdallah built serious businesses. He founded the Abdallah Group, which has interests in agriculture, logistics, and real estate. His wealth is estimated between $10–200 million.

From soldier to businessman, Abdallah is another example of how Adamawa people turn every opportunity into gold.

8. Ahmad Mo’allahyidi Abubakar – The Senator Investor

Senator Ahmad Abubakar from Adamawa South is another notable figure. While politics made him popular, his entrepreneurial side is what put him on this list.

His investments cut across health care, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. He is known for funding diagnostic centers and health projects, especially for maternal and child health.

Though his net worth is relatively modest compared to the others—about $7 million—he still ranks among Adamawa’s richest and most impactful personalities.

9. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri – The Governor with Big Ambitions

Currently serving as the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has been a consistent figure in politics for years. Before becoming governor, he was Speaker of the Adamawa State House of Assembly.

Fintiri has investments in hospitality, real estate, and media, and his net worth is estimated between $5–100 million. He’s often described as a visionary who believes in using wealth and influence to improve education and infrastructure in the state.

10. Musa Halilu Ahmed (Musa Yola) – The Dujima of Adamawa

Finally, we have Musa Halilu Ahmed, popularly known as Musa Yola. He is not just a businessman but also a traditional titleholder—the Dujima of Adamawa.

He runs the TILT Group, a conglomerate with businesses in energy, construction, agriculture, and technology. His net worth is around $5 million, but considering his influence, network, and titles, Musa Yola’s power extends beyond just numbers.

Honorable Mention: Abdulrahman Shuaibu Abubakar

Though not officially in the top 10 wealthiest, Abdulrahman Shuaibu Abubakar, a chartered accountant and former House of Reps member, deserves a mention. His investments in finance and philanthropy continue to make him one of Adamawa’s rising wealthy elites.

Final Thoughts

When you look at this list, one thing stands out: Adamawa people know how to hustle! From billionaires like Atiku Abubakar to younger entrepreneurs like Abdullahi Bashir Haske, the state has produced some of Nigeria’s most powerful and wealthy personalities.

What makes their stories inspiring is that they didn’t just build wealth for themselves; most of them have invested in education, infrastructure, and jobs that impact thousands of lives.

So next time someone tells you Adamawa is just about agriculture and cattle, show them this list and remind them that the state is also home to billionaires and multimillionaires shaping Nigeria’s economy.