Axxela Limited has announced the appointment of new non-executive Board members to deepen strategic oversight and strengthen corporate governance in support of the company’s next phase of exponential growth.
According to a statement on Monday by Manager, Corporate Communications & Branding, Omolara Shitu, the newly appointed Board members are Nzan Ogbe (Chairman of the Board), Eric Idiahi, Dolu Olugbenjo, Olufemi Okin, Moshood Olajide, Kaat Van Hecke and Jeremy Bending.
It explained that their combined experience in business leadership, financial management, and infrastructure development will strengthen the company’s post-divestment governance framework and guide the company as it expands its gas infrastructure footprint and delivers sustainable energy solutions across industries and markets.
It added that Ogbe, Chairman of the Board, is the founder and first Chief Executive Officer of Levene Energies and the Chairman of LPV Energies.
According to the statement, he is a serial entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience building businesses across sectors, including commercial trading, energy, real estate, and telecoms and leadership as well as commitment to sustainability have established him as one of Africa’s most resourceful business leaders.
The statement read in part: “Idiahi is a seasoned entrepreneur and strategic investor with over 20 years of experience building and backing businesses that are shaping Africa’s future. He co-founded Evercorp Industries and previously served as a partner at Verod Capital Management. He has raised more than $1 billion for businesses across key sectors of the African economy.
“Olugbenjo is an Executive Director at Stanbic IBTC Asset Management and serves as Chief Investment Officer of the Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Fund. He has over 20 years of experience, including leading debt advisory transactions for a wide range of clients.
“Olajide is an experienced oil and gas industry operator with an extensive track record in operational excellence, business growth, and strategic transformation. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Master of Law degree from Columbia University in New York.
“He is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and licensed to practice law in Nigeria and New York. He takes over from Timothy Ononiwu as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.
“Hecke has over two decades of relevant professional experience spanning several jurisdictions, including Nigeria, Austria, the Netherlands, Russia, and Kazakhstan. She serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director in Serica Energy PLC, London/Aberdeen, and in Trinity Exploration and Production PLC, London/Trinidad and Tobago.
“Bending has wide experience of unbundling and market liberalization in the UK energy industry. He is also experienced in international M&A activities and disposals. He is a Chartered Engineer who has been closely involved in implementing and maintaining safety and engineering management systems.
“Okin is a seasoned financial services executive with over a decade of progressive experience, spanning trusteeship, capital markets, corporate governance and legal advisory services.
“He is recognised for driving sustainable profitability, securing high-value corporate and public trust mandates, and fostering strong relationships across key stakeholders.”
Speaking on the Board appointments, the Chairman, Nzan Ogbe, said, “It is a privilege to assume the role of Chairman and to work alongside my fellow directors and the management team to provide strong governance, strategic oversight, and guidance as the company continues its growth journey.
“The new board members bring a wealth of experience across oil & gas, banking, consulting, asset management, and private equity, and are well-positioned to strengthen oversight and drive sustainable growth.
“As Axxela continues to expand its infrastructure investments and deepen its role in advancing cleaner, more reliable energy solutions, the expertise and perspective of the new board members will be key to shaping the company’s strategic direction.
“Axxela Limited, a company owned by Bluecore Gas Infraco Limited, is the pioneer private sector developer of natural gas solutions in Nigeria, with proven expertise in captive power generation and energy infrastructure development.
“Axxela is a designated natural gas shipper on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) and a member of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), delivering natural gas to about 200 industrial and commercial customers via a vast natural gas infrastructure network.
“With over 400km of natural gas pipeline infrastructure built, Axxela provides unique energy solutions primarily through its subsidiaries: Gaslink Nigeria Limited, Gas Network Services Limited, Central Horizon Gas Company Limited, Transit Gas Nigeria Limited, and Gasnexus Limited.
“BlueCore is a strategic alliance of Afrigaz Energie LLP (a portfolio company of Stanbic IBTC Infrastructure Growth Fund), Levene Energy Development Limited, emPERSAND Limited, and Energy; LLP, focused on accelerating gas and power infrastructure in Nigeria and West Africa. The strategic partners within BlueCore have investment and operational experience in gas pipelines, power generation and distribution, and renewable energy.”
