The oil and gas sector in Nigeria is characterized by complex operational, regulatory, and market challenges. Managing exploration, production, and distribution in such an environment requires significant technical expertise, strategic oversight, and the ability to navigate both local and international business dynamics.
Over the past few decades, an increasing number of women have assumed leadership roles in the industry, occupying positions that were historically dominated by men.
Forty to fifty years ago, female representation in executive management, boardrooms, and operational leadership was minimal; today, women are actively shaping the sector’s development and growth.
Women in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry now lead indigenous and multinational companies, manage upstream and downstream operations, and influence policy and investment decisions.
They combine professional expertise, governance experience, and strategic vision, contributing to operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business practices. Many are also involved in initiatives that promote local content development, entrepreneurship, and workforce capacity building, reflecting a broader impact beyond corporate performance.
This feature profiles 10 women who have achieved notable success and influence across the Nigerian oil and gas sector. From founders and managing directors to board chairs and senior executives, their contributions span exploration, production, distribution, finance, and governance.
Their professional achievements demonstrate both the scale and scope of women’s involvement in the industry, providing insight into the evolving dynamics of Nigeria’s energy sector.
Winifred Akpani, OFR, is a Nigerian entrepreneur and business leader widely recognized for her contributions to the country’s oil and gas industry. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, an indigenous petroleum products marketing and trading company that has grown to become a notable player in Nigeria’s downstream energy sector.
Akpani holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Benin and a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science from the University of Lagos. She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, reflecting her professional background in finance and corporate governance.
She began her career in 1987 as a trainee accountant at Ernst & Young before moving to KPMG, where she qualified as a chartered accountant. In 1992, she joined Flame Petroleum & Gas Company Limited as Financial Controller and later rose to Executive Director.
In 1998, Akpani established Northwest Petroleum with an initial capital of ₦200,000, beginning with the distribution of diesel in 200-litre drums to homes, banks, and small businesses in Lagos. The company has since expanded into large-scale diesel and LPG supply, international oil trading, and investments across Nigeria’s energy value chain.
In 2019, she was elected Chairman of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).
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