Nigerians know the distinct sound and mannerisms of wealth. We also recognise familial wealth, the kind of financial power and the attendant respect that certain families command. A fair number of these families are built around patriarchs who made their wealth in the early years of Nigeria’s history. Today, these families control wealth, the economy and power in certain areas in ways that only money can in Nigeria where power is the ultimate currency.

Whatever attempts to create an exhaustive list or ranking of Nigeria’s wealthiest families would be frustrated by the clear absence of public records or any form of honesty from the members as to how much they are worth.

Still the list exist, check them out below;

1. Dantata-Dangote family
The CEO of Dangote Group is worth $10.4 billion. This makes him Africa's richest man as well as the wealthiest person in the country. It also makes his families one of the richest in Nigeria. It all started with Chief Al-Hassan Dantata, a Northerner who traded in kola nuts and ground nuts. He also distributed European goods. By the time he died, he was one of the wealthiest men in West Africa. His family has produced many of the most successful businessmen in the country including Mamuda Dantata, Mudi Dantata and now, Aliko Dangote.

Aliko Dangote founded and chairs Dangote Cement, the continent's largest cement producer. He has a daughter named Halima Aliko Dangote, who is the 3rd in line of command as the Group Executive Director. His other daughter, Mariya Dangote, is reportedly one of the top managers in Dangote Group.

2. Tinubu family
The Tinubu name is one that commands heavy respect in most circles in Lagos. However, the pending uncertainties about the parenthood of its most popular member, former Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu pose a challenge in ascertaining the true extent of the family’s ties. His mother, Chief Abibatu Mogaji was a wealthy Lagos trader and businesswomen as well as one of the most influential community leaders. Prior to her death in 2013, she was the President-General of the Association of Nigerian Market Men and Women. If you will believe the hearsay, her son is one of the wealthiest men in the country, with enough in investments to create a dynasty of its own. The Lion of Bourdillion spent most of his professional life as an Executive at Mobil, before starting his political career in 1992. Tinubu is believed to be invested in most of Lagos’ prime real estate, and has been charged or invited with storing wealth in numerous foreign accounts.

3. Igbinedion family
Hidden in the town of Okada, the Igbinedion Family is one of the most powerful families in Edo State and Nigeria’s culturally-diverse South-South. The family’s patriarch is the Esama of Benin, a chief of the Bini Kingdom who was conferred by Oba Akenzua II. He is said to have started off as a police officer before becoming involved in the car business, first as an employee and later as head of his own auto care outfit. It was from here that he spread his span, starting off a ring of businesses, including the now-defunct Okada Air, Igbinedion University, Kada Plaza and Igbinedion Television.
His son, Lucky Igbinedion was Governor of Edo State, from 1999 to 2003. His daughter, Omosede Igbinedion currently serves in the Federal House of Representatives, as the lawmaker representing Ovia North Federal Constituency. The Igbinedion Family is also known for its lavish parties, which can be held in editions, from the country home in Okada to South Africa and London, where it holds investments in real estate.