Meet the top 10 richest pastors in Nigeria in 2024
With a GDP of $376 billion, Nigeria is the biggest economy in Africa and 26th globally. On the list of the richest people in Africa, Nigerians also dominate the list with Dangote, Femi Otedola, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Mike Adenuga leading. Also, both the richest black man and the richest black woman in Africa are Nigerians. Similarly, most of the richest black pastors in the world are from Nigeria. And Nigerian pastors are also the most popular with the biggest auditorium and cult following on social media.
Here, we delve into the lives of the top 10 richest pastors in Nigeria, exploring their ministries, enterprises, and the vast wealth they have accumulated.
1. Bishop David Oyedepo
Bishop David Oyedepo is number one on the list with an estimated net worth of $150 million. Bishop David Oyedepo is founder of the Living Faith World Church popularly known as Winners Chapel. His megachurch, Faith Tabernacle, boasts a 50,000-capacity auditorium and enjoys global reach. His annual program, Shiloh is one of the biggest Christian events in the world.
How Does Bishop David Oyedepo Make His Money?
Live Faith also operates Covenant University, a prestigious private university that generates significant revenue.
Dominion Publishing House: Publishes Oyedepo’s numerous books, sermons, and other religious materials, contributing to his income.
Real Estate: Owns Canaanland, a sprawling campus housing church facilities, residential quarters, and commercial ventures.
Hospitality: Runs guesthouses and restaurants within Canaanland, catering to visitors and church events.
Water Production: Hebron Bottling Company provides bottled water within and beyond Canaanland, adding another revenue stream.
Education: Founded Landmark University, another private university, further expanding his educational and financial reach.
Other money-making Ventures: Investments in aviation (four private jets), agriculture, and retail further diversify his portfolio.
Books Bishop David Oyedepo is not only a prominent religious leader but also a prolific author and publisher. His books contribute significantly to his wealth and have established him as a bestselling author in both religious and motivational genres.
Multiple sales channels: Books are sold through church branches, online platforms, and bookstores, maximizing reach and revenue.
Seeds, Gifts and Donations
Pastors in Nigeria are the highest receiver of gifts especially money. Some receive billions on their birthday from their spiritual sons and daughters.
Aside from birthdays, they also receive seeds from their mentees and those whom God used to bless. Even people who believe God for a miracle also sow into their lives expecting to tap into their grace and that’s why even pastors who not doing anything aside from preaching are billionaires.
2. Pastor Enoch Adeboye
Close on Oyedepo’s heels is Pastor Enoch Adeboye, leader of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), with an estimated net worth of $65 million. The RCCG boasts a vast network of churches across Nigeria and the globe, drawing millions of followers. Adeboye’s influence extends beyond religion, with involvement in education, media, and even politics.
Tithes and offerings
As leader of a megachurch with millions of followers globally, Adeboye receives a substantial portion of the tithes and offerings donated.
Business ventures
RCCG operates businesses like universities, media outlets, and construction companies, generating revenue that could directly or indirectly benefit Adeboye.
Other Ventures
Books
Similar to Bishop Oyedepo, Adeboye has authored numerous books on faith and Christian living, potentially contributing to his income through royalties.
Speaking engagements
He’s frequently invited for conferences and events, where he might receive honorariums or speaking fees.
Gifts and Seeds
- 3. Pastor Chris Oyakhilome:
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, founder of Christ Embassy, occupies the third spot with an estimated net worth of $50 million.His ministry boasts diverse activities, including a television network, newspapers, and even a record label. Oyakhilome’s influence has faced controversies, but his charismatic persona and global reach remain undeniable.
Primary Source: Christ Embassy
Tithes and offerings
As leader of a global Pentecostal megachurch with millions of followers, Oyakhilome receives a significant portion of the tithes and offerings donated.
Christ Embassy businesses
The ministry encompasses various ventures like a television network, newspapers, a record label, and even universities, generating revenue that could contribute to Oyakhilome’s finances.
Other Ventures
Books: Oyakhilome is a prolific author, with bestselling titles like “Rhapsody of Realities” translated into multiple languages. This likely adds to his income through royalties.
Healing School
Oyakhilome conducts frequent healing crusades and events, attracting large crowds and potential donations.
Christ Embassy Foundation
This philanthropic arm of the ministry attracts funding and potentially generates income through its various projects.
4. Pastor David Ibiyeomie
Founder of the Salvation Ministries with over 30 branches, Pastor David Ibiyeomie holds a firm fourth position with an estimated net worth of $41 million. He owns the Word of Faith Bible Institute and boasts luxurious properties, including a private jet. Ibiyeomie’s ministry emphasizes prosperity and attracts large crowds through impactful preaching.
5. Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor
Former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Ayo Oritsejafor, commands an estimated net worth of $32 million. His Word of Life Bible Church enjoys significant influence, and his philanthropic activities,particularly focused on peacebuilding, have garnered him recognition.
6. Pastor Sam Adeyemi
Founder of Daystar Christian Center, Pastor Sam Adeyemi ranks sixth with an estimated net worth of $30 million. His focus on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship, through initiatives like The Idea Hub, distinguishes him from his peers. Adeyemi’s media presence on Daystar Television further amplifies his reach.
7. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo
Founder of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo boasts an estimated net worth of $15 million. His KICC mega-church attracts large crowds, and his ministry incorporates business ventures and philanthropic projects. Ashimolowo’s charismatic preaching and emphasis on healing draw many adherents.
How Matthew Ashimolowo Makes His Wealth
Books
Ashimolowo is a prolific author with over 100 published books on faith, leadership, and success. Book sales and royalties likely contribute to his income.
Speaking engagements
He’s often invited for conferences and events, potentially receiving honorariums or speaking fees.
Real Estate Investments
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo has real estate investments across all of Nigeria, the UK, and the US. In one of his teachings on real estate investments, he mentioned how he bought land years back with thousands of Naira and sold it recently for millions.
Business ventures
Mathew Ashimolowo reportedly co-founded a media house and consulting firm. He also has farms, and shares in big companies.
8. Prophet Johnson Suleman
Founder of the Omega Fire Ministries International, Prophet Johnson Suleman commands an estimated net worth of $10.5 million. His controversial persona and flamboyant lifestyle often grab headlines, but his ministry’s humanitarian efforts and social media presence cannot be ignored.
9. Archbishop William Kumuyi
Founder of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Archbishop William Kumuyi holds an estimated net worth of $10 million. His church thrives on strict discipline and focuses on personal holiness. Kumuyi’s global reach and dedication to theological education make him a prominent figure.
10. Rev Biodun Fatoyinbo
Net Worth: Estimated at $9 million
Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo Is the founder of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) with headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
Pastor Fatoyinbo has been a full time pastor for 25 years. He started his church in Ilorin in 1999 before moving to Abuja in 2008. Today, he has branches all over Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Dubai, Manchester and Birmingham. Son of a politician and the first pastor in Africa to be verified on Instagram, Rev Biodun Fatoyinbo is one for most influential pastors in Nigeria.
How Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo makes his money.
His primary source of wealth his COZA as there is no record of him working in the corporate world before becoming a pastor.
However, he is an author and public speaker meaning He makes money from books sales and receive honouranium as well as seeds as speaker and preacher .
Pastor Biodun own the finiest luxury cars in the world and wears designers.
