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.
Dr. Cosmas Maduka is the founder and CEO of Coscharis Group, a Nigerian conglomerate spanning automotive distribution, manufacturing, agribusiness, petrochemicals and ICT. He launched Coscharis Motors as a sole proprietorship and expanded it into one of West Africa’s most influential auto companies, securing exclusive franchises for BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar and Abro consumer products. The company also serves as a key Ford distribution partner in Nigeria, reinforcing its position in the premium and mass-market segments.
Beyond automotive operations, Maduka sits on the boards of CG-EKO LLP, First System Refinishes, CG Biostadt and Sixt Rentals Nigeria. A prominent figure in business and sports administration, he previously spent 12 years on the board of Access Bank and led the Nigerian Table Tennis Federation for 16 years, overseeing multiple Olympic outings.
Maduka holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Nigeria, completed executive education at Harvard Business School, and is a Commander of the Order of the Niger.
