By Seyi Odewale
Midwestern Oil & Gas, one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous exploration and production companies, has announced the appointment of Engr Elozino Olaniyan, as its new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1, 2025.
Her appointment marks a historic first for the company as its maiden female CEO. This achievement signals a new phase of inclusive leadership and reinforces Midwestern’s commitment to strong corporate governance, sustainable growth, and national energy development.
A distinguished energy professional with more than three decades of industry experience, Engr. Olaniyan has built an impressive career spanning upstream operations, safety and environment management, corporate strategy, and stakeholder engagement.
Before joining Midwestern, she served as General Manager, Safety & Environment at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, where she championed major reforms that strengthened operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Her emergence as CEO comes at a time when Midwestern is accelerating reforms to consolidate governance structures, stabilise leadership, and position the company for long-term value creation. Key initiatives recently undertaken include:
Reconstitution of the Board of Directors, with a stronger representation of Independent Non-Executive Directors to enhance oversight, transparency, and accountability.
Strengthening of the Executive Leadership Team, now under her direction, bringing together a new cadre of highly skilled Nigerian energy professionals to drive innovation and operational excellence.
Expansion of local content impact, leveraging strategic partnerships, talent development programmes, and new growth initiatives aligned with national energy priorities.
Speaking on her appointment, Olaniyan expressed gratitude and a clear vision for the future, stating:
“I am honoured to lead Midwestern at this pivotal stage. Our focus will be on operational discipline, transparency, and sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders. With our strengthened leadership team, we are prepared to deliver long-term value and play an even greater role in shaping Nigeria’s energy future.”
Chairman of the Board, Emeka Okwuosa, described her appointment as transformative, noting:
“Elozino’s leadership marks a defining moment in Midwestern’s evolution. She represents the new face of Nigerian energy leadership—technically grounded, strategically minded, and deeply committed to sustainability and people.
“The Board has full confidence in her ability to guide Midwestern into its next phase of growth, supported by our enhanced governance framework and a strong core of independent Non-Executive Directors.”
