Business a.m.
Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited has appointed Elozino Olaniyan as its new managing director and chief executive officer, effective 1 December 2025. The appointment not only positions Olaniyan at the helm of one of Nigeria’s leading independent oil and gas producers but also represents the company’s first female CEO.
The leadership change comes at a critical time as Nigerian oil and gas companies increasingly face scrutiny over operational efficiency, environmental compliance, and stakeholder accountability. Olaniyan, a veteran energy executive with more than 30 years of experience, brings deep expertise in upstream operations, corporate strategy, and stakeholder engagement. Before joining Midwestern, she served as general manager of Safety & Environment at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, where she implemented reforms that strengthened operational discipline and environmental stewardship.
Midwestern’s leadership overhaul coincides with broader governance reforms within the company. The Board of Directors has been reconstituted to include a robust cadre of Independent Non-Executive Directors, a move aimed at enhancing oversight, transparency, and strategic accountability. The Executive Leadership Team, now under Olaniyan’s direction, has been realigned to incorporate a new generation of energy professionals focused on operational excellence, innovation, and sustainable value creation.
Commenting on her appointment, Olaniyan emphasised a commitment to disciplined operations and inclusive growth. “Our focus will be on operational discipline, transparency, and sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders. Together with our strengthened leadership team, we are poised to deliver long-term value and play an even stronger role in Nigeria’s energy future,” she said.
Emeka Okwuosa, chairman of Midwestern’s Board, described the appointment as a defining moment in Midwestern’s evolution. He highlighted Olaniyan’s technical grounding, strategic acumen, and commitment to sustainability as key factors that would drive the company’s next phase of growth. “The Board has full confidence in her ability to lead Midwestern, guided by our strengthened governance framework and a strong core of independent Non-Executive Directors,” Okwuosa added.
Founded in 1999, Midwestern Oil & Gas is a leading indigenous energy company with upstream and midstream operations across the Niger Delta, including the Umusadege Field and associated gas processing infrastructure. The company has consistently emphasised sustainable resource development, local capacity building, and environmental stewardship, aligning its growth strategy with national energy priorities.
With Olaniyan’s appointment, Midwestern is positioning itself not only as a champion of operational efficiency but also as a model for governance, diversity, and sustainable leadership in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The move is expected to reinforce investor confidence, enhance local content initiatives, and strengthen the company’s role in driving national energy development.
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