Winifred Akpani holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, with Second Class Honours (Upper Division), from the University of Benin, Benin City and a postgraduate diploma in Computer Science from the University of Lagos. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and an Associate Member of the Institute of Directors. Having started as a Trainee Accountant at accounting firm Oni Lasebikan & Co. (now Enrst & Young, Osindero), Akpani has over 29 years of postgraduate experience.
She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1990, at Arthur Andersen & Co. (now KPMG Professional Services) and in 1992, left to join a start-up Oil Marketing Company – Flame Petroleum & Gas Company Limited, as Finance Controller. Rising through the management ranks, she became Executive Director in 1997.
In 1998, she left to pursue her quest for self-fulfillment by founding Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited and assuming the position of Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer. As Managing Director, she is responsible for guiding all of the Company’s affairs and activities, providing direction within the framework determined by their mission, their statement and strategic corporate plans.
She is responsible for formulating and developing business plans and policies, as well as safeguarding quality assurance and control in all projects, ensuring that the objectives of Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited are realized in a timely and cost-effective way.
Having attended numerous local and international courses and seminars (cutting across the finance, Oil & Gas, and banking industries), she has other wide-ranging business interests for instance, as a Director of Millennium Oil and Gas Company Limited, the operator of Oza Marginal Field and Northwest Energy Nigeria Limited, a company in the exploration and production sector. Adding to this, she has substantial interests in the banking industry and is also a Director of Fleet Travels and Tours Nigeria Limited, a first-class travel agency.
NorthWest Petroleum & Gas Company Limited is an indigenous petroleum products marketing company with vast experience in the export, import, trading, storage and supply of crude oil and refined petroleum products. Northwest Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd was created from humble beginnings in 1998 with a vision to earn a reputable name in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas industry by being measurably efficient, responsible and competitive while working to meet Company growth and objectives within the broader social and economic goals of their operating environment.
Mega filling stations have been constructed as part of their quest to expand their retail business in strategic and high impact locations in major cities across the country.
Their story of days of little beginnings dates back to over 20 years ago, when they were able to supply diesel in 200-litre drums however, the story has changed and like they say, today, the rest is history.
With about 30 nozzle stations, NorthWest Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd. owns over a 100 million litre storage capacity.
Winifred has attended numerous local and international courses and seminars cutting across the Finance, Oil & Gas and Banking industries. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and an Associate Member of the Institute of Directors.
Akpani is the Chairman, Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN). The body in compliance with its constitution conducted a successful election where various executives were elected and she emerged the chairman.
“The vision of DAPPMAN is to unite members, advice, encourage and support government to churn out policies that promote the economic well-being of the nation in general and the downstream petroleum sector in particular.” Winifred said.
Akpani is a non-executive director at GDL, a company leading diversified financial institution, creating wealth and transforming society, providing unique financial solutions to strengthen and expand the middle class in terms of savings, investment, financial access, infrastructure, housing, employment and others.
