Nigeria, a country with a rich cultural tapestry, boasts over 250 ethnic groups spread across its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
This diversity contributes significantly to the nation’s economic and cultural wealth. Some tribes, in particular, have achieved remarkable success and prosperity.
Here, we explore the top 20 richest tribes in Nigeria for 2024, highlighting their contributions to the country’s economy and their areas of influence.
1. Yoruba
- Region: Southwestern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Business, entrepreneurship
The Yoruba tribe is one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups and is renowned for its wealth and economic influence. Predominantly located in the southwestern region, the Yoruba people have a robust economic foundation. Many successful business owners and entrepreneurs hail from this tribe, contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy.
2. Hausa
- Region: Northern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Trading, commerce
The Hausa tribe is the largest ethnic group in Nigeria and plays a dominant role in the northern region’s economy. Known for their strong tradition in trading and commerce, many Hausa people are successful business owners and entrepreneurs. Their economic activities span various sectors, significantly impacting the country’s overall economic landscape.
3. Igbo
- Region: Southeastern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Trading, manufacturing, real estate
The Igbo tribe is among the most influential and prosperous tribes in Nigeria. Their entrepreneurial spirit is well-recognized, with a substantial presence in the business sector, including trading, manufacturing, and real estate. The Igbos’ strong business acumen has led to significant economic contributions in the southeastern region and beyond.
4. Fulani
- Region: Northern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, livestock farming
The Fulani tribe, one of Nigeria’s largest ethnic groups, is primarily found in the northern region. They are known for their wealth, which largely stems from agriculture and livestock farming. This sector is a major source of income for many Fulani people, supporting their economic stability and growth.
5. Kanuri
- Region: Northeastern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, trade
The Kanuri tribe is prominent in northeastern Nigeria. Their wealth is primarily derived from agriculture and trade, making them significant contributors to the region’s economy. Many Kanuri individuals are engaged in these sectors, ensuring a steady flow of income and economic activity.
6. Edo
- Region: Southwestern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Trade, manufacturing
The Edo tribe, located in southwestern Nigeria, is known for its business acumen and wealth. With a strong presence in the trade and manufacturing sectors, the Edo people have produced many successful entrepreneurs and business owners. Their economic activities significantly boost the local and national economy.
7. Tiv
- Region: Central Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, trade
The Tiv tribe, found primarily in central Nigeria, is noted for its wealth and business skills. Many Tiv people are successful entrepreneurs and business owners, particularly in the agriculture and trade sectors. Their contributions are vital to the region’s economic development.
8. Efik
- Region: Southeastern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Trade, manufacturing
The Efik tribe, located in southeastern Nigeria, has a reputation for wealth and business expertise. With a strong foothold in the trade and manufacturing sectors, many Efik individuals are successful in their entrepreneurial ventures. Their economic activities are crucial to the region’s prosperity.
9. Ebira
- Region: Central Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, trade
The Ebira tribe, primarily found in central Nigeria, is known for its economic prowess. Many Ebira people are engaged in agriculture and trade, with a notable number achieving success as entrepreneurs and business owners. Their economic contributions are significant to the central region’s development.
10. Urhobo
- Region: Southwestern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Trade, manufacturing
The Urhobo tribe, located in southwestern Nigeria, is renowned for its wealth and business acumen. They have a strong presence in the trade and manufacturing sectors, with many successful entrepreneurs and business owners among them. Their activities greatly influence the regional and national economy.
11. Ijaw
- Region: Southeastern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Oil and gas
The Ijaw tribe, found primarily in southeastern Nigeria, is well-known for its involvement in the oil and gas sector. This lucrative industry has contributed significantly to the tribe’s wealth. Many Ijaw people are successful entrepreneurs and business owners, leveraging the region’s natural resources.
12. Nupe
- Region: Central Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, trade
The Nupe tribe, primarily located in central Nigeria, is known for its economic success. With a strong presence in agriculture and trade, many Nupe individuals are successful in their business endeavors. Their contributions are vital to the economic well-being of the central region.
13. Jukun
- Region: Central Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, trade
The Jukun tribe, found mainly in central Nigeria, is recognized for its wealth and business skills. Many Jukun people are engaged in agriculture and trade, achieving considerable success as entrepreneurs. Their economic activities are essential to the region’s growth and prosperity.
14. Gwari
- Region: Northwestern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Trade, commerce
The Gwari tribe, located in northwestern Nigeria, is known for its economic strength. With a significant presence in the trade and commerce sectors, many Gwari individuals are successful business owners. Their activities contribute substantially to the regional and national economy.
15. Etsako
- Region: Central Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, trade
The Etsako tribe, primarily found in central Nigeria, is noted for its economic prowess. Many Etsako people are engaged in agriculture and trade, with a notable number achieving success as entrepreneurs. Their contributions are significant to the economic development of the central region.
16. Idoma
- Region: Central Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, trade
The Idoma tribe, located in central Nigeria, is recognized for its wealth and business acumen. Many Idoma individuals are successful in agriculture and trade, contributing significantly to the region’s economy. Their entrepreneurial spirit drives economic growth and stability.
17. Bini
- Region: Southwestern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Trade, commerce
The Bini tribe, primarily found in southwestern Nigeria, is well-known for its business expertise and wealth. With a strong presence in trade and commerce, many Bini people are successful entrepreneurs. Their economic activities greatly influence the regional and national economy.
18. Kataf
- Region: Northwestern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, trade
The Kataf tribe, located in northwestern Nigeria, is noted for its economic strength. Many Kataf individuals are engaged in agriculture and trade, achieving considerable success as entrepreneurs. Their contributions are vital to the economic prosperity of the region.
19. Igede
- Region: Central Nigeria
- Economic Base: Agriculture, trade
The Igede tribe, primarily found in central Nigeria, is recognized for its wealth and business skills. Many Igede people are successful in agriculture and trade, contributing significantly to the region’s economy. Their entrepreneurial spirit supports regional growth and stability.
20. Ogoni
- Region: Southeastern Nigeria
- Economic Base: Oil and gas
The Ogoni tribe, located in southeastern Nigeria, is well-known for its involvement in the oil and gas sector. This industry has significantly contributed to the tribe’s wealth. Many Ogoni people are successful entrepreneurs and business owners, leveraging the region’s natural resources to drive economic success.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s diversity is not only a cultural asset but also an economic one. The wealth and success of these 20 tribes highlight the country’s rich tapestry of entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen.
Each tribe’s unique contributions to various economic sectors underscore the importance of unity and diversity in driving national prosperity.
While this list showcases some of the wealthiest tribes in Nigeria, it’s important to recognize that success and wealth can be found across all ethnic groups, reflecting the nation’s collective potential for growth and development.