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Winifred Akpani is one of the Oil and Gas giants who started small and has now become a global force.
She inspires women and small-scale business owners, growing her business from serving small businesses to distributing globally, a remarkable feat.
In the bustling landscape of Nigeria's oil and gas sector, Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited stands tall as a solid brand with international repute.
Founded by the visionary entrepreneur, Winifred Akpani, this indigenous petroleum products marketing company has grown exponentially over almost three decades.
Winifred Akpani's Northwest Petroleum, starting with N200,000, has grown into a major player in petroleum, boasting a 100 million-liter storage capacity.
Education and Early Career
Winifred Akpani's journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Benin, followed by a postgraduate diploma in Computer Science at the University of Lagos.
In 1987 she founded Oni Lasebikan and Co. a Trainee Accountant an audit firm. The firm is now named Ernst and Young.
Despite her qualifications, she followed her passion and entered the world of accounting. Akpani honed her skills as a Chartered Accountant at Arthur Anderson & Co (now KPMG Professional Services).
She became Executive Director at Flame Petroleum & Gas Company Limited in 1997, five years after she joined the company as Financial Controller in 1992.
Founding Northwest Petroleum
In 1998, Winifred Akpani took the leap of faith and started Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited with a mere N200,000 in capital.
The company initially supplied diesel in 200-litre drums to various establishments. However, under Akpani's astute leadership, the company rapidly expanded its horizons and entered into international oil trading and services deals worth millions of dollars.
Today, Northwest Petroleum owns and operates two ultra-modern mega Petroleum Products Storage Terminals, boasting a combined capacity of 96.8 million liters.
The company also manages several unique 24-and 26-nozzle Ultra-Modern Mega Filling stations across the nation.
Diversification and Achievements
Winifred Akpani's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence led her to explore other business ventures.
In addition to her involvement in the energy, oil, and gas sectors, she serves as a Director of Millennium Oil and Gas Company Limited, operating the Oza Marginal Field, and Northwest Energy Nigeria Limited, a company focused on exploration and production.
Akpani also has significant interests in the banking industry and is a Director of Fleet Travels and Tours Nigeria Limited, a premier travel agency.
According to RocketReach, her company, Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited which she started with N200,000 worth $60 million.
Professional Recognitions and Humanitarian Work
As a testament to her expertise and contributions, Winifred Akpani is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and an Associate Member of the Institute of Directors (100).
She continuously honed her knowledge through various courses in Finance, Oil and gas, Corporate Governance, and Banking. In 2019, she was elected Chairman of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), playing a vital role in shaping policies for the downstream petroleum sector.
Beyond her achievements in the business world, Winifred Akpani is also deeply involved in humanitarian work and charity donations.
Her efforts and dedication to the welfare of society were recognized when she received The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, the highest award of the Catholic Church, presented by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
Winifred Networth
Winifred's net worth is estimated to be $100 million, with her company raking in $60 million in 2021 alone and raking a growth of up to 89.13%.
Winifred Inspire Women, Others
Winifred Akpani's journey from Trainee Accountant to a respected oil and gas entrepreneur inspires aspiring business leaders in Nigeria and beyond.
Her determination, resilience, and dedication have played a pivotal role in transforming Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited into a reputable brand with international acclaim.
As she continues to make strides in diverse sectors and humanitarian endeavors, Winifred Akpani remains a shining example of what passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment can achieve.
