Chief Joseph Ebere Ezeokafor Snr, a prominent Nigerian businessman, has built a family fortune estimated at around $2 billion through his various business ventures, particularly in the oil and gas industry. As the founder and chairman of the Jezco Group, Ezeokafor has established a significant presence in Nigeria's oil and gas market for over 40 years.
The Ezeokafor Family Fortune
Ezeokafor's wealth is built primarily through the oil and gas business, with his company, Jezco Oil and Lubricants, operating across different parts of the energy market, supplying petrol, kerosene, and diesel, as well as industrial gas and medical oxygen. The business has expanded from simple fuel distribution into a major network of retail filling stations, petroleum bulk storage, cooking gas plants, and specialized industrial lubricant production.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Chief Ezeokafor Snr has also been involved in various philanthropic activities, particularly in the Catholic Church. He has donated land in Adamawa State towards a Catholic church and supported the construction of the church and a residence for priests. He has also donated land for a primary school, which was handed over to the Bishop of Yola Diocese. His support for Catholic causes has also been linked to his role as a patron of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), led by Rev. Fr Ejike Mbaka.
Net Worth and Business Career
Ezeokafor's net worth is estimated at around $2 billion, although this figure has not been independently verified. His business career has spanned over four decades, during which he has expanded his interests into different areas, including plastic manufacturing and industrial packaging through Jezco Plastics. His businesses have also operated across different parts of the energy market, with outlets supplying various types of fuel and industrial gas.
Public Profile and Recognition
Chief Ezeokafor Snr has largely stayed away from the spotlight, with his public profile built around his businesses, philanthropy, and community work. However, he has received recognition for his contributions to industrial growth, wealth creation, and economic development in Nigeria. In 2025, The Sun honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to industrial growth, wealth creation, and economic development in Nigeria.
Family and Personal Life
Ezeokafor is married to Lady Veronica Ezeokafor, and they have seven children, including their son, Jowi Zaza, a familiar face on social media. He is a devout Catholic and has been involved in various charitable activities, particularly in the Catholic Church. His educational background was considerably more modest, attending St Joseph Catholic Primary School in Ekwulobia, his hometown in Anambra State, before building a career that culminated in an honorary doctorate in Business Administration.
The figures surrounding Ezeokafor's net worth are uncertain, with several Nigerian websites estimating his net worth at around $2 billion. However, this figure has not been independently verified through a Forbes profile, audited accounts, or another authoritative public financial disclosure. Despite this, Ezeokafor's business career has spanned over four decades, and his various business ventures have established a significant presence in Nigeria's oil and gas market.
Source: Pulse.ng
