Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola have secured their spots on the prestigious Forbes 2024 billionaires list, representing Nigeria’s elite in the global wealth landscape.
Despite economic challenges like inflation and political unrest, Forbes revealed on Tuesday that the number of billionaires in 2024 has increased significantly. Globally, there are now 2,781 billionaires, marking a rise of 141 individuals compared to the previous year and surpassing the 2021 record by 26.
Forbes highlighted the unprecedented wealth amassed by these billionaires, totaling $14.2 trillion collectively. This marks a $2 trillion increase from 2023 and surpasses the previous record set in 2021 by $1.1 trillion.
The top 20 billionaires contributed significantly to this surge, adding a combined $700 billion to their wealth since 2023. The United States leads the pack with a record 813 billionaires, boasting a total wealth of $5.7 trillion. China follows closely with 473 billionaires (including Hong Kong) worth $1.7 trillion, despite challenges like weak consumer spending and a real estate downturn.
India also saw a record number of billionaires, with 200 individuals making the list. Dangote, the chairman of Dangote Cement, maintained his position as Africa’s richest man, with a fortune of $13.4 billion, securing the 144th spot on the global list.
Mike Adenuga, the chairman of Globacom, a Nigerian telecommunications company, ranked 409th with a net worth of $6.7 billion. Abdulsamad Rabiu, the chairman of BUA Group, clinched the 581st position with a net worth of $5.2 billion.
Femi Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power, rounded off the Nigerian contingent at the 2152nd spot, boasting a net worth of $1.4 billion.
Read Also: How to Convert Your Facebook Account to a Page
These individuals exemplify Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage and serve as inspirations for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders across the nation.