141 new moneybags join Forbes billionaires club, Nigerians now four

141 new moneybags join Forbes billionaires club, Nigerians now four

 

Forbes on Tuesday said more billionaires had joined the moneybags club in 2024 despite inflation and political unrest.

Aliko Dangote, Mike Adenuga, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Femi Otedola are the only Nigerians that made the Forbes 2024 billionaires list.

Forbes said there are now 2,781 billionaires globally — rising by 141 compared to 2023 data and 26 more 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.”

The report revealed 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.

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.