- Midwestern appoints its first female CEO as part of broader governance reforms.
- The company aims to deepen accountability and strengthen long-term value creation.
A major leadership transition is underway in the Midwestern region as Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited names Engr. Elozino Olaniyan as its new Chief Executive Officer. Her tenure begins on December 1, 2025. The company describes the appointment as a historic moment since she becomes its first female chief executive.
Olaniyan brings over 30 years of industry experience. Her record across Nigeria’s upstream sector includes strong environmental improvements. She also led major safety reforms that boosted industry standards. Before this appointment, she served as General Manager of Safety and Environment at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, where she gained recognition for her reform-driven leadership.
According to the company, the Midwestern leadership transition supports a broader effort to enhance oversight. Its leadership team aims to strengthen corporate governance through stricter structures. Board members expect the changes to drive long-term value creation. They also plan to align operations with shifting national and global energy needs.
In her comments, Olaniyan highlighted transparency and operational discipline as key priorities. She intends to pursue sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders. The incoming CEO also believes Midwestern can play a stronger role in Nigeria’s energy future.
Board Chairman Engr Emeka Okwuosa described the appointment as a defining moment. To him, Olaniyan represents a new wave of technically grounded and strategic Nigerian energy leaders. He expressed confidence in her ability to guide the company into its next phase.
Recent governance reforms at Midwestern created the foundation for the transition. The company reconstituted its Board of Directors and strengthened its group of Independent Non-Executive Directors. It further refreshed its executive team to support new technical and managerial talent.
Founded in 1999, Midwestern Oil & Gas remains a major indigenous operator in the Niger Delta. Its portfolio spans upstream assets, midstream gas processing and several partnership ventures. The company continues to emphasise sustainable resource development, environmental stewardship and local capacity building.