Only four Nigerians – Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu, and Femi Otedola – made the Forbes 2024 billionaires list.
According to Forbes on Tuesday, despite inflation and political turmoil, there will be more billionaires in 2024.
According to Forbes, the number of billionaires in the world has increased to 2,781 from 2023 statistics, which is 141 higher than the record set in 2021.
“They’re richer than ever, worth $14.2 trillion in the aggregate, up by $2 trillion from 2023 and $1.1 trillion above the previous record, also set in 2021,” Forbes said.
“Two-thirds of the list’s members are worth more than a year ago; only one-fourth are poorer.
“Much of the gains come from the top 20, who added a combined $700 billion in wealth since 2023, and from the U.S., which now boasts a record 813 billionaires worth a combined $5.7 trillion.
“China remains second, with 473 (including Hong Kong) worth $1.7 trillion, despite weak consumer spending and a real estate bust that helped wipe out $200 billion in wealth and knocked 89 billionaires from the ranks.
“India, which has 200 billionaires (also a record), ranks third. To calculate net worths, we used stock prices and exchange rates from March 8, 2024.”
Dangote, chairman of Dangote Cement, maintained his top position as the richest man in Africa. His fortune rose to $13.4 billion, earning him the 144th position, according to Forbes.
With a $6.7 billion net worth, Adenuga, chairman of Globacom, a telecommunication company in Nigeria, was ranked at 409th spot.
Rabiu, chairman of BUA Group, whose net worth was estimated at $5.2 billion, was placed at the 581st position.
Otedola, chairman of Geregu Power, was ranked 2152 spot with a net worth of $1.4 billion.
