Nigerian Billionaire, Rabiu Joins Africa’s Elite Yacht Owners with Italian Baglietto 60-meter Build

Nigerian industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu is taking his place among Africa’s elite yacht owners, commissioning a 60-meter superyacht from renowned Italian shipbuilder Baglietto, according to a post on his Facebook page.

Rabiu wrote simply: “60 metres in the making. Thanks, Fabio and James. #ASR,” signaling the project is underway or in early planning stages.

The yacht, a large-scale luxury build, positions Rabiu within a select group of Nigerian tycoons who regularly commission bespoke assets in Europe. At 60 meters, the vessel falls within Baglietto’s upper-tier offerings, typically designed for long-range cruising with charter-level amenities.

Industry insiders note that such projects require custom naval architecture, extensive engineering, and a multi-year construction period, depending on specifications and yard capacity.

Rabiu joins Africa’s superyacht elite

635414450 17893837824409478 7982466959679153303 n Abdul Samad Rabiu, Facebook

Baglietto, headquartered in La Spezia on Italy’s northwest coast, has a long-established reputation for crafting yachts between 40 and 60 meters.

The company has delivered numerous high-end builds across Europe, making it a top choice for wealthy African clients seeking prestige and performance. While Baglietto has not publicly confirmed the contract, Rabiu’s post strongly indicates the partnership is confirmed.

Rabiu, founder of the BUA Group, chairs one of Nigeria’s largest industrial conglomerates, with interests spanning cement, sugar, flour, and infrastructure.

BUA Cement, part of his portfolio, is a key player in West Africa’s building materials market, while his broader industrial ventures in manufacturing and energy have cemented his status among the continent’s wealthiest entrepreneurs.

At 60 meters, the vessel falls within Baglietto’s upper-tier offerings, typically designed for long-range cruising with charter-level amenities. Baglietto

Luxury superyachts are increasingly popular among Africa’s high-net-worth individuals, often serving as both status symbols and functional assets for family travel, corporate hosting, and leisure.

Observers say these builds underscore the region’s growing engagement with bespoke European and Gulf markets, highlighting the intersection of wealth, industrial influence, and lifestyle aspirations.

If confirmed by the shipyard, the 60-meter Baglietto would place Rabiu in a small circle of Nigerian tycoons with large-scale, top-tier superyachts. The project exemplifies how Africa’s industrial magnates continue to translate business success into high-profile personal assets, showcasing both status and international connections.