LAGOS — For decades, the energy industry was considered a male-dominated fortress. However, as of March 2026, the narrative has shifted completely.
From the boardroom of the NNPC to the helms of indigenous exploration giants, women are no longer just participating—they are directing the flow of the nation’s most vital resource.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, we highlight 10 influential women whose leadership, technical expertise, and policy influence are shaping the future of Nigeria’s $200 billion energy landscape.
The Power List: Leaders Redefining Energy
1. Catherine Uju Ifejika – Chairperson/CEO, Brittania-U Group
A pioneer in every sense, Ifejika remains one of the most powerful women in the global upstream sector.
As the head of Brittania-U, she has successfully led an indigenous firm through complex acquisitions and operations, proving that Nigerian companies can compete at the highest levels of exploration and production.
2. Elohor Aiboni – Managing Director, SNEPCo (Shell Nigeria)
The first female MD in SNEPCo’s history, Aiboni oversees the iconic Bonga field—Nigeria’s first deep-water project. Her leadership is critical as Shell continues to navigate its divestment from onshore assets while doubling down on deep-water and gas-rich offshore blocks.
3. Olu Arowolo Verheijen – Special Adviser to the President on Energy
As the primary architect of the “Energy Security Initiative” under the current administration, Verheijen’s influence spans across policy and regulation. She is a key figure in driving the 2024-2026 fiscal incentives that have successfully lured billions in fresh investments back to the Niger Delta.
4. Nkechi Obi – GMD/CEO, Techno Oil Limited
A veteran of the downstream and midstream sectors, Obi has been a vocal advocate for the “Decade of Gas.” Her firm’s investments in LPG cylinder manufacturing and distribution have been instrumental in the national shift toward cleaner cooking energy.
5. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo – Co-Founder/Deputy MD, Falcon Corporation
A former President of the Nigerian Gas Association, Joe-Ezigbo is a powerhouse in the gas distribution space. She has consistently championed the use of gas as a fuel for industrialization, helping to bridge the gap between upstream supply and industrial demand.
6. Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan – Executive Vice President (Upstream), NNPC Ltd
Within the restructured NNPC Ltd, Eyesan holds one of the most high-stakes portfolios. She is responsible for the company’s upstream joint ventures and production sharing contracts, making her a central figure in Nigeria’s quest to hit the 2.0 million bpd production target.
7. Yanju Deji-Folutile – Executive Director, ASCON Oil Company
In the competitive downstream market, Deji-Folutile has led ASCON through significant restructuring and expansion. Her focus on operational transparency and retail excellence has kept the firm resilient in a post-subsidy environment.
8. Godrey Ogbechie – Group Executive Director, Rainoil Limited
Working alongside her husband to build one of Nigeria’s largest integrated energy groups, Ogbechie oversees the massive administrative and operational machinery of Rainoil. Her influence is particularly felt in the company’s vast logistics and retail network.
9. Maryam Shehu – GM, Creseada International Limited
Specializing in oilfield services and logistics, Shehu is a key player in the “invisible” side of the industry—ensuring that rigs have the technical support and manpower needed to function. She represents a rising class of women dominating the service-provider ecosystem.
10. Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani – Board Member & Energy Strategist
A leading voice in energy finance and strategy, Akinkugbe-Filani has advised some of the world’s largest financial institutions on African energy assets. Her insights are frequently sought for high-level cross-border transactions and energy transition planning.
Strategic Impact: Why These Leaders Matter in 2026
The influence of these women comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria:
- The Gas Pivot: With the world shifting away from heavy crude, leaders like Audrey Joe-Ezigbo and Nkechi Obi are ensuring Nigeria doesn’t get left behind in the global gas transition.
- Deep-Water Dominance: As onshore production faces security challenges, the deep-water expertise of leaders like Elohor Aiboni is keeping the nation’s export volumes stable.
- Policy Reform: The fiscal frameworks designed by advisors like Verheijen have ended a decade-long “investment drought,” proving that female leadership is synonymous with economic pragmatism.
The Nigerian Oil and Gas Sector
In 2026, the success of the Nigerian oil and gas sector is inextricably linked to the brilliance of its female leaders. From managing multi-billion dollar offshore platforms to drafting the laws that govern them, these ten women are the new “Majors” of the Nigerian energy industry.
