Many women are making great achievements in an industry that has traditionally been dominated by men, notably in Nigeria, creating a lasting impact on the oil and gas sector through their innovative ideas and outstanding leadership.
These women are not only excelling in their various jobs, but also driving a wave of inclusiveness and eradicating gender biases in the industry. In this article, HowNG takes a look at the nine exceptional women who are redefining Nigeria’s oil and gas business.
1. Folorunsho Alakija.
Folorunsho Alakija, vice-chairman of Famfa Oil Limited, is a well-known person in the oil and gas business and one of the world’s wealthiest black women. Her company, Famfa Limited, made an important discovery in OPL 216, resulting in a court triumph that cemented her standing in the sector. Alakija’s charity endeavors through the Rose of Sharon Foundation demonstrate her devotion to empowering the needy.
2. Catherine Uju Ifejika
Catherine Ifejika is the chairperson and CEO of Britannia-U, an indigenous firm that provides subsurface engineering, exploration, and production services in the energy sector. Ifejika, a law graduate from Ahmadu Bello University and a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, began his career in the oil and gas industry in 1987 with Texaco. Her knowledge and leadership have helped Britannia-U achieve success.
3. Bola Shagaya
Bola Shagaya, the founder of Voyage Oil and Gas Limited and the managing director of Practoil Limited, established herself in the market by importing and selling base oil. Her transition from working at the Central Bank of Nigeria to becoming a successful business exemplifies her adaptability and determination.
4. Godfrey Ogbechie
Godfrey Ogbechie, Rainoil Limited’s group executive director, has extensive experience in agricultural economics and banking. Her work at Rainoil is critical in directing corporate support service operations such as human resources and information technology, ensuring that the business runs smoothly.
5. Winifred Akpani
Winifred Akpani, Northwest Petroleum and Gas Company Limited’s managing director and CEO, has played a key role in the company’s expansion into petroleum exploration, production, and marketing. Her dedication to philanthropy, particularly in education, demonstrates her character and influence outside the oil and gas industry.
6. Moroti Adedoyin Adeyinka
Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka’s accomplishments as an executive director at Sahara Group are significant. Her rise from accountant at KLM to major position in Sahara Group demonstrates her dedication and industry knowledge.
7. Amy Jadesimi
Amy Jadesimi, the CEO of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL), is a pioneer in the industry. Jadesimi’s finance and commercial skills, which includes degrees from Oxford University and Stanford commercial School, has been critical to LADOL’s expansion as it caters to the needs of deepwater offshore oil and gas operations. Forbes named her one of the ’20 Youngest Power Women in Africa’, highlighting her industry significance.
8. Victoria Samson
Victoria Samson began her career as a dealer for Texaco Nigeria Limited, but her entrepreneurial zeal led her to co-found the Bovas Group with her husband. The company has grown tremendously, running multiple service stations around Nigeria and helping to develop the country’s oil and gas infrastructure.
9. Audrey Ezigbo
Audrey Ezigbo and her husband co-founded Falcon Corporation Limited, and she plays an important role in the company’s growth and success. Her leadership extends to Falcongaz Limited, where she serves as managing director, indicating her influence in the business.
