The richest Nigerian: Aliko Dangote

Net worth: $25 billion

Forbes rank: 23

Background: Dangote jumped up 20 spots from his ranking last year as only the 43rd richest person in the world. He added $9 billion to his wealth by announcing in April that he would move into the oil industry with financing from local and international lenders to build a private oil refinery, fertilizer and petrochemical complex in Nigeria. Dangote first made his name as a commodities trader with interests in sugar, flour, salt and cement.