Alfred Okoigun Marks 70 Years of Impact in Oil and Gas Sector

Alfred Okoigun, the founder of ARCO Group Plc, is celebrating his 70th birthday, receiving widespread recognition for his contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Over a career spanning more than four decades, Okoigun has established himself as a leading figure in the sector, known for his commitment to local talent and infrastructure.

In 1980, Okoigun founded ARCO Petrochemical Engineering, which has since evolved into a diversified entity encompassing engineering, marine logistics, asset integrity, and advanced security technologies. His vision has focused on enhancing local capacity, thereby fostering national growth and development.

Pioneering Initiatives and Industry Influence

Okoigun’s influence is evident through his innovative initiatives. In 1982, he convened the inaugural Gas Reinjection Seminar at the Petroleum Training Institute in Warri. This event brought attention to the significant issue of gas flaring, ultimately shaping national policy on the matter. Throughout his career, he has been a staunch advocate for promoting local content in the oil and gas sector and facilitating the transfer of technical expertise.

Under his leadership, ARCO has reached several impressive milestones. The company acquired a majority stake in Sulzer Pumps Nigeria, fully localised its fleet under ARCO Marine, and launched Nigeria’s first licensed Drone Academy. These initiatives highlight Okoigun’s foresight in preparing the Nigerian workforce for the future of energy and technology.

Human capital development has been at the forefront of Okoigun’s mission. ARCO has sponsored numerous engineers for advanced training abroad, collaborated with global manufacturers, and invested in technical skills. Many individuals who benefitted from these programmes now hold senior positions within Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape.

Global Recognition and Community Impact

Beyond his contributions to engineering, Okoigun has showcased Nigerian excellence internationally. He has been a key sponsor of various awards, including the NEST in London, and supported the National Diaspora Merit Award organised by NiDCOM, set to take place in 2025. His commitment to youth and sports development is evident through his backing of the “Making of Champions” athletics programme, which has nurtured talents such as Joy Udo-Gabriel.

Operationally, ARCO has achieved remarkable safety records, logging over 10 million man-hours without a lost-time injury at Nigeria LNG. The company has also accumulated more than 7,000 NCAA-certified drone flight hours and plans to expand its marine fleet to 15 vessels by 2026.

Okoigun is recognised as a Fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Petroleum Training Institute. At industry forums, he consistently champions the need for enhanced indigenous participation and leadership within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

As he reflects on his 70th milestone, Okoigun’s colleagues and admirers regard his journey as a testament to the potential of private enterprise to serve the public good. His legacy extends far beyond business success; it is deeply embedded in the lives of individuals and communities he has positively influenced throughout his career.