When people hear "Akwa Ibom," the first thing that comes to mind is usually food (yes, that irresistible Afang soup) or beautiful tourist sites. But let’s be honest, this oil-rich state has also produced some of Nigeria’s wealthiest and most influential individuals. These men and women have built empires across oil and gas, politics, real estate, finance, telecoms, and more.

Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the top 10 richest people from Akwa Ibom State—their net worth, careers, and how they turned opportunities into generational wealth. So grab a seat, because this gist is long but sweet.

1. Akanimo Asuquo Udofia – The Billionaire Oil Baron

Let’s start with the big fish. If you ask anyone who the richest man in Akwa Ibom is, the name Akanimo Udofia will likely pop up first. He is the CEO of Desicon Engineering Ltd., an oil and gas servicing company with operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Chad.

This man’s story is proof that oil money, when combined with brain and strategy, can turn you into a billionaire. His company has handled multi-million-dollar contracts worth nearly $900 million, and some sources peg his net worth at around $500 million to $1 billion.

Beyond the boardroom, Udofia has also ventured into politics, where his influence continues to grow. Whether you see him as a businessman or a politician, one thing is clear: Akanimo Udofia is in a class of his own.

2. Godswill Obot Akpabio – The Political Moneybag

When you talk about power, wealth, and influence in Akwa Ibom, you cannot skip Godswill Akpabio. This man rebranded Akwa Ibom during his time as Governor, earning the nickname "The Uncommon Transformer."

His net worth is estimated between $100 million and $380 million, thanks to investments in real estate, telecommunications, and of course, political influence. Currently serving as the Senate President of Nigeria, Akpabio continues to wield both power and wealth with ease.

Love him or hate him, his name will always make the list when it comes to the richest and most powerful men from Akwa Ibom.

3. Senator Udo Udoma – The Gentleman of Wealth

Udo Udoma may not make noise like some politicians, but his wealth speaks volumes. A respected lawyer and former Minister of Budget and National Planning, Udoma has carved a name for himself in both the legal and financial worlds.

His estimated net worth ranges between $60 million and $270 million. Apart from politics, he has served on the boards of major companies and invested heavily in real estate and finance.

He is the classic example of how brains, professionalism, and the right connections can open doors to wealth without unnecessary drama.

4. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel – The Banker Governor

Before becoming the Governor of Akwa Ibom in 2015, Udom Emmanuel was already a top banker at Zenith Bank. His expertise in finance laid the foundation for his later wealth and influence.

Today, his net worth is estimated between $50 million and $250 million. Apart from politics, Udom has investments in real estate and other sectors that keep his financial profile strong.

He left office in 2023, but his name still rings loud when wealth and governance in Akwa Ibom are discussed.

5. Senator Ita Solomon Enang – The Political Strategist

Next on the list is Ita Enang, a seasoned politician and legal mind. From his early days in the House of Representatives to his time in the Senate, Ita Enang has proven himself as a strategist who knows how to stay relevant in Nigerian politics.

His wealth comes from law, real estate, agriculture, and years of public service. Estimates put his net worth between $40 million and $300 million. Not bad for a man who has spent most of his life in the corridors of power.

6. Obong Victor Bassey Attah – The Architect of Modern Akwa Ibom

If you’ve ever heard someone call Victor Attah the “Father of Modern Akwa Ibom,” it’s not exaggeration. He was Governor from 1999 to 2007 and is credited with laying the architectural and urban development blueprint for Uyo.

An architect by profession, Attah also invested in real estate and politics, with his wealth estimated between $30 million and $230 million. His legacy goes beyond money—he is remembered for vision and development.

7. Senator Aloysius Akpan Etok – The Silent Investor

Aloysius Etok is one of those politicians who prefer to stay quiet while making moves behind the scenes. A long-serving senator, Etok has interests in hospitality, oil, real estate, and other businesses.

His net worth sits somewhere between $10 million and $210 million, depending on which source you believe. What is certain is that his portfolio is well diversified, keeping him comfortably among Akwa Ibom’s richest.

8. Bassey Albert Akpan – The Banker Turned Politician

Before stepping into politics, Bassey Albert Akpan (OBA) worked as a banker, which gave him a strong financial foundation. He later became Commissioner for Finance in Akwa Ibom and then moved to the Senate.

His wealth comes from his time in banking, politics, and investments, with net worth estimates ranging from $5 million to $150 million. OBA is a familiar name in both politics and finance, making him one of the notable wealthy men from the state.

9. Nsima Udo Ekere – The Business Politician

Nsima Ekere is a man whose wealth is tied to both politics and business. As former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), he played a huge role in infrastructural development in the region.

Apart from politics, he has interests in oil and gas, agriculture, and real estate. His net worth is estimated between $4 million and $180 million. Nsima is one of those names you can’t leave out when talking about influential Akwa Ibom sons.

10. Unyime Josiah Idem – The Telecoms Mogul

Closing the top 10 is Unyime Idem, a businessman turned politician. He is the founder of Idems Ultimate, a telecommunications company, and has diversified into agriculture, microfinance (Stanford Microfinance Bank), real estate, and oil and gas.

Today, he serves as a member of the House of Representatives, but his business empire is still strong. His estimated net worth falls between $3 million and $160 million, and he remains one of the rising financial giants from Akwa Ibom.

Honorable Mentions

Now, while the list focuses on the official “Top 10,” some names deserve honorable mention because their wealth and influence can’t be ignored:

• Princess Fifi Ejindu – Known as the richest woman in Akwa Ibom, she is the founder of Starcrest Group with investments in oil, construction, and real estate. Her wealth is estimated in the hundreds of millions.

• Udom Inoyo – Former Vice Chairman of ExxonMobil Nigeria. Though he keeps a low profile, his career in oil and gas has made him one of the state’s wealthiest personalities.

• Nsikan Effiong Johnny – The founder of NSIK Group of Companies, with interests in transportation, oil, logistics, and engineering. He represents the new wave of entrepreneurs reshaping Akwa Ibom’s business landscape.

What We Can Learn from These Billionaires and Millionaires

Looking at the top 10, some common themes stand out:

1. Oil and Gas Still Reign – Almost every name here is linked directly or indirectly to oil wealth. Whether through servicing companies, political influence, or executive roles, the oil sector remains the biggest wealth generator.

2. Politics Pays (Literally) – Many of these wealthy men built part of their fortunes through political offices, which opened doors to investments and influence.

3. Diversification is Key – From telecoms to agriculture, hospitality to real estate, diversification has kept their empires growing.

4. Education and Professionalism Matter – Lawyers, bankers, architects—professional skills provided the foundation for many of these billionaires before politics or business expansion took over.

5. The Future is Bright – With rising entrepreneurs like Nsikan Johnny and women like Princess Fifi Ejindu making waves, Akwa Ibom’s wealth story is only just beginning.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—the top 10 richest people in Akwa Ibom State. From billionaires like Akanimo Udofia to political heavyweights like Godswill Akpabio, and business moguls like Unyime Idem, Akwa Ibom is truly blessed with people who know how to turn opportunity into wealth.

It’s not just about their bank accounts; it’s about how their wealth impacts the state—through jobs, investments, and infrastructure. Love them or not, they represent the financial muscle of Akwa Ibom.