When you hear the name Katsina State, what comes to your mind first? For some, it’s the rich history and cultural heritage of Northern Nigeria. For others, it’s the political powerhouses the state has produced over the years. And of course, if you are like me, you’ll think of the money—yes, the wealthy men and women who call Katsina home.

Today, we’re taking a journey to explore the top 10 richest people from Katsina State. And trust me, this list is filled with politicians, business moguls, and entrepreneurs who have not only made money but also shaped Nigeria’s economy and political landscape in different ways.

So, grab a drink, relax, and let’s gist about the moneybags of Katsina State.

1. Alhaji Dahiru Mangal

If you talk about wealth in Katsina State and you don’t start with Dahiru Mangal, you are not serious. This man is the ultimate big boy of the state, and his influence cuts across business, aviation, oil and gas, and real estate.

Dahiru Mangal is the founder of Max Air Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines. If you’ve ever boarded Max Air, then you’ve indirectly been a customer of this Katsina billionaire. But that’s not all. He has massive stakes in construction, real estate, and even the oil industry.

He is also a silent political influencer, always present but never loud. People say if you want to understand wealth in Katsina, just study Mangal’s lifestyle—low-key but powerful.

2. Umaru Mutallab

You cannot talk about banking in Nigeria without mentioning Alhaji Umaru Abdul Mutallab. Yes, this is the man who helped shape the Nigerian banking industry into what it is today.

A former Minister of Economic Development and past Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria, Mutallab has been around the corridors of power for decades. He’s also widely respected for introducing Islamic banking to Nigeria through Jaiz Bank.

Beyond banking, Umaru Mutallab has investments in real estate and other sectors. His name commands respect, and in Katsina, he is seen as one of the finest examples of a wealthy man with integrity.

3. Senator Hadi Sirika

If you followed Nigerian politics in the past decade, then the name Hadi Sirika should sound familiar. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

As Minister, he handled massive projects in the aviation sector, and before politics, he had been a businessman and a trained pilot. His wealth comes from aviation, real estate, and of course, politics.

Sirika is a household name in Katsina, and whether you agree with his politics or not, you can’t deny that he’s one of the richest men the state has produced.

4. Senator Abu Ibrahim

Another big name on this list is Senator Abu Ibrahim, a seasoned politician and businessman. He has represented Katsina at the Senate, and like most Nigerian politicians, he’s done very well for himself financially.

He has investments in agriculture, real estate, and oil services. His years in public service, coupled with private business ventures, have made him one of the wealthiest people in the state.

5. Alhaji Salisu Mamman

Now, let’s talk about someone who has been making waves in the construction and energy sector—Salisu Mamman.

This businessman has handled major contracts across Nigeria, including road construction, oil servicing, and power projects. His name might not be as loud as Dahiru Mangal’s, but trust me, in the business world, he is a heavyweight.

6. Senator Ibrahim Ida

Senator Ibrahim Ida is another political and business figure who makes our list. He has been involved in politics for years and has made a name for himself through various investments.

Apart from politics, he has a strong interest in agriculture and commerce. He represents the class of wealthy Katsina men who balance politics with business.

7. Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi

If you remember the administration of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, then you should know Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi. He was the Chief Economic Adviser to the President and also served as Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Yakubu Kurfi is one of those brainy money men who combine intelligence with wealth. He has interests in finance, housing, and real estate, and today, he’s among the richest sons of Katsina State.

8. Senator Ibrahim Ida

This is another big political figure who has combined public service with private enterprise. Wealth for him has come from both politics and smart investments.

Like many in his circle, agriculture and commerce are his strong points. He’s respected in Katsina as one of the state’s influential personalities.

9. Aminu Bello Masari

Aminu Masari, the former Governor of Katsina State, also makes the list. Before becoming governor, Masari was the Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007.

His political career has been a major source of his wealth, but beyond politics, Masari has built a strong profile with interests in real estate and agriculture.

He is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest politicians from Katsina, and his years in government have cemented his financial power.

10. Mansur Ahmed

To round off our list, we have Mansur Ahmed, a businessman and public administrator who has served in different top positions in Nigeria.

He was a former Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and also worked with the Dangote Group in an executive role.

Mansur Ahmed is respected for his role in industry and manufacturing, and his wealth is tied to years of both public service and private sector involvement.

Conclusion

Katsina State is not just famous for politics, it is also home to some of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals. From Dahiru Mangal’s empire in aviation and oil, to Umaru Mutallab’s banking influence, and the political dominance of Masari and Sirika, the state is loaded with people who control billions.

What I find most interesting about Katsina’s money scene is how most of the wealth is a mix of politics and business. Unlike states where entertainment or sports play a big role in wealth creation, Katsina’s richest people built their money mainly through governance, commerce, and industries.

So next time you hear someone say Katsina is just about politics, remind them that it is also about money—serious money.