Nigeria is a country with a lot of powerful people. These people have influence in and outside Nigeria. They directly or indirectly call the shot in the country. Hence, their influence can result in a negative or positive effect on the future of Nigeria. Also, most of them are politicians, businessmen, and pastors.
Aliko Dangote
Aliko Dangote is highly influential in Nigeria especially when it comes to Nigeria politics. His wealth and influence are what makes him very relevant in Nigeria and Africa. To give you a clue of how big his influence is, former US Consul General to Nigeria once accused of him of receiving preferential treatment.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
The great “Jagaban” needs no introduction because he allegedly owns almost all Lagos. His influence goes across all political governors, senators, reps, and others.
Olusegun Obasanjo
The former President who ruled Nigeria for 8 years is definitely still influential in the country. Obasanjo has directly or indirectly handpicked two presidents for Nigeria (allegedly). His influence goes beyond Nigeria. He was made the chairman of InterAction Council, a body of over 30 former world leaders.
Pastor E.A Adeboye
The former mathematics teacher has an influence on millions of Nigerians. According to statistics, Pastor Adeboye has about 14 million church members in Nigeria. This implies that Pastor Adeboye has a hold of 8.4% of 60 million Nigerians who are registered to vote.
Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Lamido Sanusi is the 14th Emir of Kano state. He was once the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria as well as a Fulani nobleman. Time magazine listed him as one of 100 most influential people in 2011.
Nnamdi Kanu
Kanu deserves to be on the list because of how single-handedly raised the Biafra issue and bring it to the attention of the world. His influence has been so great that after 50 years the Biafra issue is now being debated on the British parliament floor.
Tony Elumelu
Elumelu is a businessman, philanthropist, entrepreneur, billionaire, and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. He is a visionary man who believes in the power of Africa to develop economically and contest with top countries. This has inspired a lot of Africans to take charge of their own economic development. Hence, he was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people in Africa in 2012. Also, he was named by Forbes magazine as one of the 20 most influential people in Africa.
Theophilus Danjuma
He is one of the richest men in Nigeria and a top military officer. He also helped in sponsoring Buhari presidential bid in 2015. His influence in the Nigerian politics made him one of the highly influential persons in Nigeria.
Nasir El Rufai
Mallam El Rufai is the current Governor of Kaduna State. He has influenced most of the appointments made by Buhari.
Abba Kyari
He is currently the chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari. He carries out the orders given to him by the president. In addition, all visits to the government go through him and he also gives orders on behalf of the president.
Author: BF
light sleeper, heavy dreamer.