Alfred Okoigun Celebrates 70 Years of Impact in Oil and Gas

Alfred Okoigun, the founder of ARCO Group Plc, is celebrating his 70th birthday, receiving widespread recognition for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Over his four-decade career, Okoigun has established himself as a leading entrepreneur and a champion for local talent and infrastructure development.

In 1980, Okoigun founded ARCO Petrochemical Engineering, transforming it into a robust indigenous company. Today, it encompasses various sectors, including engineering, marine logistics, asset integrity, and advanced security technologies. His vision has consistently highlighted the importance of local expertise as essential for national growth.

Pioneering Initiatives and Advancements

In 1982, Okoigun played a crucial role in convening the first Gas Reinjection Seminar at the Petroleum Training Institute in Warri. This event raised awareness about the environmental hazards of gas flaring and significantly influenced national policy. His career has since been marked by initiatives promoting local content and the transfer of technical knowledge within the industry.

Under his leadership, ARCO has achieved notable milestones, including acquiring a majority stake in Sulzer Pumps Nigeria and fully localising the ARCO Marine fleet. The company also launched the first licensed Drone Academy in Nigeria, a testament to Okoigun’s forward-thinking approach to energy and technology.

A core element of Okoigun’s mission has been the development of human capital. ARCO has sponsored engineers for advanced training abroad and established partnerships with international manufacturers. Many of these graduates now hold senior positions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, underscoring Okoigun’s commitment to empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

A Legacy of Excellence and Community Impact

Okoigun’s influence extends beyond engineering. He has actively promoted Nigerian excellence on the global stage by sponsoring prestigious awards, such as the NEST in London, and has shown support for the National Diaspora Merit Award organized by NiDCOM, scheduled for 2025. His dedication to youth and sports development is evident in his backing of initiatives like the “Making of Champions” athletics programme, which has produced prominent athletes, including Joy Udo-Gabriel.

Operationally, ARCO has achieved over 10 million man-hours without a lost-time injury at Nigeria LNG and has accumulated more than 7,000 NCAA-certified drone flight hours. The company is also on track to expand its marine fleet to 15 vessels by 2026, further solidifying its leadership in the sector.

Okoigun’s professional accolades include recognition as a Fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Petroleum Training Institute. He has consistently advocated for stronger indigenous participation and leadership within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, emphasizing the importance of local expertise.

As he marks this milestone, colleagues and admirers celebrate Okoigun’s legacy, viewing his journey as a powerful example of how private enterprise can contribute to public welfare. His impact is felt not only in business success but also in the lives of individuals and communities that he has uplifted throughout his career.