When you think of Zamfara State, images of gold-rich hills, traditional heritage, and mining hustle probably come to mind. But beyond the glimmer of minerals, the state has produced a crop of influential people—politicians, military titans, and businessmen—who have grown their fortunes by savvy investment, political mastery, and tapping into Zamfara’s natural wealth. Today, we’re counting down the Top 10 Wealthiest Zamfara Indigenes in 2025, speaking straight to you, Dear Reader, with that familiar Naija blogger swagger.

1. Bello Matawalle – The Miner-Turned-Politician Balling Hard

Estimated Net Worth: ~$187 Million
Main Wealth Streams: Politics, Gold Mining, Real Estate

Bello Matawalle—born in Maradun—rose from humble beginnings to become Zamfara’s governor (2019–2023) and now serves as Minister of State for Defence. During his time in office, Matawalle leveraged the state’s booming gold economy, securing mining licences and channeling revenues into property and infrastructure. That savvy makes him the richest indigene in Zamfara today.

2. Abdul'aziz Abubakar Yari – Gold-Rich Gov with Midas Touch

Estimated Net Worth: ~$50 Million
Main Wealth Streams: Governance, Real Estate, Construction

Yari governed Zamfara from 2011 to 2019 and was a long-serving senator. Known as a political kingmaker, Yari has investments spanning real estate and construction. While less flashy than Matawalle, his long political career enabled him to build substantial wealth.

3. Dauda Lawal – Banker-Turned-Governor with Class

Estimated Net Worth: ~$35 Million
Main Wealth Streams: Banking, Real Estate, Agribusiness

The current governor, Dauda Lawal, came from a distinguished career as a senior executive in First Bank. With deep roots in finance, he’s made smart investments in real estate and agriculture—showing Zamfara that banking brains translate into financial blessings.

4. Mukhtar Shehu Idris – Commissioner with Hidden Fortune

Estimated Net Worth: ~$25 Million
Main Wealth Streams: Real Estate, Agriculture, Politics

Though his 2019 governorship was annulled, Mukhtar Idris has built an enviable fortune thanks to his years as Commissioner for Finance and savvy investments in land and agriculture. His wealth quietly rivals many acting governors around him.

5. Ahmed Sani Yerima – Veteran Politician with Property Swag

Estimated Net Worth: ~$700 Million+ (national ranking)
Main Wealth Streams: Contracts, Agriculture, Real Estate

The first civilian governor of Zamfara (1999–2007), Yerima still ripples through Nigerian politics. With infrastructure-related contracts and crucial real estate holdings—Abuja, Kaduna, Zamfara—he ranks among the richest northern politicians nationally.

6. General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau – The Security Mogul with a Golden Heart

Estimated Net Worth: Undisclosed, but in oil/gas and property megabucks category
Main Wealth Streams: Oil & Gas, Real Estate, Security Networking

From serving as National Security Adviser to being defense minister, General Gusau’s military influence is legendary. He parlayed national connections into investments in oil, telecoms, and prime property—making him a quietly powerful figure in Zamfara money circles.

7. Alhaji Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi – Accountant-Turned-Advisor with Bank

Estimated Net Worth: Tens of Millions
Main Wealth Streams: Agribusiness, Logistics, Consultancy

A seasoned accountant by training, Shinkafi served as adviser to multiple governors. He dabbles in agriculture and transport logistics, blending professionalism with politics to build solid wealth.

8. Mahmud Shinkafi – The Politician Farmer with Fleet

Estimated Net Worth: ~$15 Million
Main Wealth Streams: Real Estate, Transport, Trade, Farming

Ex-governor Mahmud Shinkafi (2007–2011) parlayed his political win into wealth—owning real estate, transport fleets, and farmland scattered across northern Nigeria. His anchor, however, remains the grassroots.

9. Kabir Garba Marafa – Engineer with Estates Across Cities

Estimated Net Worth: ~$12–20 Million
Main Wealth Streams: Oil Services, Mining, Real Estate

Engineer-turned-senator Kabir Marafa stays grounded in Zamfara’s geology and infrastructure. He’s invested in oil services, gold-mining, and real estate in Gusau, Abuja, and Kaduna—showing engineering brains build bank too.

10. Others Making Bank in Zamfara

• Muhammad Dan Ali — retired General and former Defense Minister with interests in agriculture and manufacturing.

• Lawali Mohammed Liman — Construction and real estate magnate behind many housing projects in Gusau and Kaura Namoda

• Muhammad Dan Sadau — Gold mining titan with agribusiness expansion

Summary Table – Top 10 Wealthiest Indigenes of Zamfara State

Conclusion

There you have it—Zamfara’s rich and influential in living color. What stands out is the mix: governors turned businessmen, military icons turned investors, and accountants turned agripreneurs. They didn’t just grow their pockets—they shaped their communities, built infrastructure, and diversified across finance, mining, farming, and property.

These men reflect Zamfara’s hopes and pains, its gold-laden earth and political leanings. They’re proof that wealth in Nigeria often grows at the intersection of power, land, and enterprise.

Curious to explore wealthy indigenes from neighbouring states? Or want the stories of top Zamfara women building wealth too? Just holla—I’ve got you covered!