In the face of national economic challenges, Nigerian magnates Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola have retained their prominent positions on the Forbes World’s Billionaire list for 2024.
Leading the Nigerian contingent is Aliko Dangote with a net worth of $13.4 billion. He is followed by Mike Adenuga at $6.7 billion, Abdulsamad Rabiu at $5.2 billion, and Femi Otedola at $1.4 billion.
Despite global economic fluctuations, these Nigerian billionaires have not only held their ground but have also seen an increase in their wealth over the last year.
The top 20 billionaires worldwide have impressively increased their collective wealth by $700 billion according to the 2024 Forbes rankings.
The United States continues to lead globally with the highest number of billionaires, totaling 813 individuals with a combined wealth of $5.7 trillion. China is not far behind, with its 473 billionaires holding a total wealth of $1.7 trillion.
India is witnessing a rise in its billionaire count, now standing at 200 individuals with a cumulative wealth of $954 billion.
Globally, Bernard Arnault remains the wealthiest individual with a fortune estimated at $233 billion.
Other prominent figures on the list include Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, along with new entrants like Andrea Pignataro and Todd Graves.
The United States, China, and India are the top three countries with the most billionaires.
The global economy’s hurdles have not hindered the expansion of the billionaire club, which has welcomed 265 newcomers to Forbes’ list this year.
These new billionaires come from diverse sectors, including fast-food, luxury fashion, and technology, reflecting the dynamic and continuously evolving nature of global wealth distribution.
