The South-East of Nigeria, home to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, is widely recognized as the Igbo heartland.
This region has long been a hub of entrepreneurship, commerce, and innovation, producing some of Nigeria’s most industrious and financially successful citizens.
It is a place where determination meets opportunity and where businesses, big and small, thrive through resilience and strategic thinking.
The individuals who make this list of the top 10 billionaires in South-East Nigeria represent a diverse array of sectors.
From oil and gas to automotive, manufacturing, finance, and telecommunications, these business leaders have built empires that not only generate significant wealth but also create jobs, drive industrial growth, and shape the economy. Their stories reflect a mix of ambition, ingenuity, and the ability to navigate Nigeria’s challenging business sector.
Beyond business, many of them are notable philanthropists, contributing to education, healthcare, and community development in the region. Examining the wealthiest in the South-East offers a window into the economic powerhouses driving the region’s growth and influence, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity that define the Igbo commercial tradition.
Prince Arthur I. Eze is a Nigerian businessman, oil executive, and philanthropist, best known as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, the country’s largest privately owned exploration and production group. A prominent figure in West Africa’s energy landscape, Eze oversees a portfolio that includes 22 oil and gas licenses across 12 African jurisdictions, with assets spanning Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia and Liberia. The company operates regional offices across West Africa, with its technical base in Lagos and corporate headquarters in Abuja.
Eze earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical and chemical engineering from California State University in 1978. In July 2023, he was appointed Chancellor of Azman University in Kano. He also previously served as Chancellor of Ebonyi State University. His philanthropic activity, political influence and long-standing role in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry have drawn widespread recognition.
