Beninese-Gabonese oil mogul Samuel Dossou-Aworet is approaching a new valuation threshold as his holding in Nigerian energy company Aradel Holdings has climbed sharply, lifting the market value of his stake to just below the $500 million mark.

The gain reflects a sustained rise in Aradel’s share price on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), supported by steady investor demand and stronger earnings performance from the integrated oil and gas producer. Dossou-Aworet holds an 8.31 percent stake in the company, equivalent to 360,899,945 shares, according to market data tracked by Shore.Africa.

Samuel Dossou-Aworet’s Aradel rises to $470 million

Since the start of the year, the value of his holding has increased significantly, rising from about N241.8 billion ($167.2 million) on Jan. 1 to roughly N637 billion ($470 million). That represents a year-to-date increase of about $299 million, leaving his position within reach of the $500 million milestone as trading activity in the stock remains elevated.

Aradel’s share price has risen 164 percent this year, climbing from N670 ($0.463) at the beginning of the year to N1,764 ($1.29) at the time of reporting. The steady appreciation has placed the stock among the stronger performers on the Nigerian Exchange and has helped lift the company’s overall market value.

With Aradel’s share price still trading near record levels, the rally has lifted its market capitalization to N7.98 trillion ($5.8 billion), placing it as the sixth most valuable listed company in Nigeria and giving it a meaningful share of total equity market value on the NGX.

Aradel Holdings’ flagship asset, OML 54, in Nigeria.

Aradel reports $291 million profit in 2025

The company’s financial results have supported investor sentiment. For the 2025 financial year, Aradel reported profit after tax of N401.2 billion ($290.8 million), up 55 percent from N259.1 billion ($188.1 million) a year earlier, thanks to higher revenue, stronger earnings from associates, and improved contributions from crude oil, refined products, and gas operations.

Aradel’s balance sheet also strengthened over the period. Total assets rose to N10.4 trillion from N1.75 trillion previously, while shareholders’ equity increased to N3.48 trillion. Retained earnings climbed to N654.1 billion ($473.8 million), reflecting the accumulation of profits over the period and reinforcing the company’s financial position.