This Nigerian entrepreneur built a $28-million-a-year plastic and mat business

Omokolade Ajayi -
Key Points
  • Salisu Buhari, founder of Rumbu Industries, has driven the company to $28 million in revenue while quietly engaging in philanthropic initiatives across Nigeria.
  • After a brief political career, Buhari founded Rumbu Industries in 2001, transforming it into one of Africa’s largest plastic manufacturers with 2,200 employees.
  • Rumbu Industries is recognized as West Africa's largest woven mats manufacturer, with plans to expand into aviation, agriculture, and renewable energy.

Salisu Buhari, the 54-year-old founder of Kano-based Rumbu Industries Limited, stands among Nigeria’s top industrialists. Known for his reclusive nature and understated lifestyle, Buhari’s affluence extends far beyond luxurious homes and private jets. 

Under his leadership, Rumbu Industries has flourished, generating $28 million in revenue while quietly spearheading philanthropic initiatives aimed at uplifting lives across Nigeria.

Salisu Buhari: From business success to political aspirations

Born on Jan. 3, 1970, Buhari demonstrated a resilience and entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. His early business success caught the attention of political observers, leading him to a career in public service.

In 1999, Buhari was elected to Nigeria's House of Representatives and swiftly emerged as a contender for the position of Speaker. On June 3, 1999, he was elected, marking the pinnacle of his political career.

However, this triumph was short-lived. A February 16, 1999, report revealed discrepancies in Buhari’s academic claims and personal records, including his age and educational background.

Despite asserting he graduated from the University of Toronto, the institution confirmed it had no record of him. The report also raised questions about his completion of Nigeria’s mandatory National Youth Service in Kano.

Amid mounting scrutiny, Buhari initially dismissed the allegations as a political witch-hunt. Yet, on July 23, 1999, he acknowledged the inaccuracies, admitting to falsifying his age and credentials.

This forced him to resign from his position as Speaker after just six weeks, abruptly ending his political ambitions and ushering in a return to the private sector.

The birth of Rumbu Industries

In 2001, Buhari refocused his energies by founding Rumbu Industries Limited in Kano, initially established as Rumbu Sacks Nigeria Limited to manufacture polypropylene (PP) woven sacks.

As the company evolved, it diversified into producing PP woven mats, and by 2015, a strategic rebranding to Rumbu Industries reflected its expanded product offerings.

Today, Rumbu Industries stands as one of the world’s largest plastic manufacturers, boasting a footprint across West Africa. With 2,200 employees across its Nigerian operations, the company reported $28 million in revenue in 2020.

Under Buhari's leadership, Rumbu made history as the first and only African company to acquire and operate a computerized Jacquard weaving machine, enabling efficient, custom production in smaller batches.

Expansion and diversification

Buhari's vision for Rumbu Industries extends beyond its current operations. Recognized as the largest manufacturer of woven mats and twine in Nigeria and West Africa, the company has committed to continuous improvement and expansion.

Future diversification strategies include ventures into aviation, agriculture, and renewable energy, demonstrating Buhari’s commitment to delivering high-quality products while prioritizing customer satisfaction—a reflection of his philosophy of providing value for money.

Despite the fallout from his political scandal, Salisu Buhari has rebuilt his legacy through entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Rumbu Industries, one of the first companies inducted into the Bank of Industry’s Hall of Fame, stands as a leader in Nigeria’s industrial sector.

Buhari maintains a low profile while channeling his wealth into philanthropic projects that significantly impact communities across the country.

His journey—from political ambition and scandal to industrial success—highlights his resilience and determination to create a lasting legacy in business and society. As he navigates Nigeria’s economic landscape, Buhari continues to shape the future of industry and philanthropy.