BAMANGA USMAN JADA – A NEW DAWN IN NIGERIA’S OIL AND GAS SECTOR
Bamanga Usman Jada is the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority Nigeria, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; on October 13, 2023.
A native of Jada local Government Area, Yola in Adamawa State, Nigeria; he was born on 2nd March 1983. He is married and blessed with three children.
Bamanga Usman Jada has emerged as a beacon of hope and a harbinger of change in Nigeria’s dynamic oil and gas industry, heralding a new era of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth. His visionary leadership, coupled with a profound understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities, has instilled a renewed sense of optimism and dynamism within the sector. Jada’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability have laid the groundwork for a transformative journey that promises to redefine Nigeria’s position in the global energy landscape.
Jada’s educational journey serves as a testament to his commitment to excellence. He attended Jada 1 Primary School and General Murtala Mohammed College, Yola, for his primary and secondary schools’ education respectively, obtaining his SSCE Certificate in 1999.
He pursued his tertiary education at the prestigious Federal University of Technology Yola, now Modibbo Adama University, where his exceptional academic performance garnered him recognition and numerous accolades. Here, he obtained a Diploma in Business Administration (2004) and subsequently a Bachelors’ Degree (B.Sc) in Economics (2008).
Following his undergraduate degree and in his quest for more knowledge and academic pursuit, he proceeded to the University of Central Lancanshire, Preston United Kingdom, where he acquired a Masters’ Degree (M.Sc) in Oil and Gas Operations Management (2013) and also an MBA in Marketing, solidifying his expertise in the intricate economic dynamics of the energy sector.
With an impressive educational background, Jada embarked on a professional journey that propelled him to the forefront of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. He began his career with Ecobank PLC in 2009 where he developed acute corporate financial management skills. These attributes were of great benefit to the Energy Commission of Nigeria where he served in the Finance and Projects Departments respectively from 2010 to 2023.
As a result of his dedication to service, meticulous nature, problem-solving ability and versatility, he was sought after to take on another role as the Personal Assistant to the Director General/CEO of the Commission. He has also served as Personal Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO); roles that further equipped him with hands on administrative know-how and leadership experience.
Bamanga Usman Jada, is an affiliate of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, United Kingdom. He is a Fellow of the Public Institute of Diplomacy and Management, Nigeria.
Jada is a seasoned technocrat and administrator who brings on board his wealth of knowledge in Civil Service Administration, Financial Procedures, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFR) and Public Sector Accounting.
Jada’s credentials exemplify his comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between economic, technological and environmental factors within the oil and gas sector. His strategic insights and in-depth knowledge have equipped him to take the proper steps in navigating the intricate challenges facing the industry, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among key stakeholders. His leadership philosophy, characterized by a combination of pragmatism and forward-thinking vision, has positioned him as a beacon of change in an ever-evolving energy landscape.
As he continues to make significant strides in the field, his prospects for transforming the oil and gas industry in Nigeria remain exceedingly promising. With his exceptional leadership acumen, extensive industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to innovation, Jada is poised to drive substantial advancements that not only elevate the sector’s global competitiveness but also contribute to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria. His vision for a more diversified, environmentally conscious, and technologically adept energy landscape is set to pave the way for a thriving and sustainable future for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, ensuring a more robust and interconnected landscape that is better equipped to navigate the complexities of the global energy market.
As Nigeria embraces this new dawn in its oil and gas sector, the transformative leadership of Bamanga Usman Jada stands as a testament to the country’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development, technological advancement, and global competitiveness. With his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to excellence, Jada continues to inspire a sense of purpose and optimism, setting the stage for a more prosperous and resilient future for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
f Technology Yola, where he obtained a Diploma in Business Administration (2002–2004) and subsequently obtained a B.Sc in Economics (2004–2008) in the same university.
Having acquired his B.Sc and in his quest for more knowledge, and academic exposure, he proceeded to the University of Central Lancanshire, Preston United Kingdom, where he acquired an M.Sc in Oil and Gas Operations Management (2012–2013) and later an MBA in Marketing from the Nassarawa state University (2018–2021).
Bamanga Jada Usman did his compulsory National Youth Service (NYSC) in Kebbi state (2008), where he equally began his career with Ecobank PLC (2009–2010).
After a short stint with Ecobank, he moved to the Nigerian Energy Commission (Abuja) where he served in the Finance Department, Projects Department, and Procurement Departments respectively in the Commission (2010–2023).
In 2018, and while still serving, he took on a second role as the Personal Assistant to the Director General/CEO of the Commission. He also served as Personal Assistant to the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) in May 2023.
Bamanga Usman Jada, is an affiliate of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, United Kingdom.
He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Diplomacy and Management, Nigeria.
Jada brings on board his wealth of knowledge in Civil Service Administration, Financial Procedures,
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFR) and Public Sector Accounting.
Bamanga Usman Jada is happily married with Kids and is dedicated to a life of patriotic public service to his country, Nigeria.
ADEKUNLE AJAYI: Ajayi is HOD, Operations and Technical Services. He was the Acting Managing Director from October 8, 2019 till December 22, 2019. He is a graduate of Accounting and holds an MBA in Management from Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Port-Harcourt. He is a fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria. He worked at various times with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Akintola Williams (Chartered Accountants) and Prodeco Nigeria Limited. He joined the services of OGFZA in 2001 as Manager (Finance & Accounts).
ALENJU NGOFA: Ngofa is HOD, Administration. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Studies from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. He also holds a BSc in Sociology and a Diploma in Personnel Management/Industrial Relations from University of Port Harcourt. At different times in OGFZA, Ngofa had served as HOD, Planning Research & Statistic (PSR), Ag. HOD, Technical Services Department; Unit Head, Monitoring and Evaluation; Head, Lagos Regional Office; Unit Head, Human Resources; and Unit Head, Operations. He had worked as the defunct National Fertiliser Company of Nigeria Limited (NAFCON).
OBI AGUSIOBO: Obi Agusiobo is the General Manager/HOD in charge of Legal Services and the governing board secretary, OGFZA.
He holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B (Hons.), University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus and Certificate of Call to the Bar, Nigeria Law School, Lagos. He was called to the Nigeria Bar, in 1991. He began his career as a private legal practitioner.
He joined the Federal Ministry of Justice in 1997 where he served in various capacities.
He has served as Assistant Legal Adviser in the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Assistant Director, Legal and Prosecution Department and Head of Reforms Unit of NAPTIP.
He was the Deputy Director, Legal Services in the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and He is an alumnus of the International Visitors and Leadership Programme, organized by the United States Department of State, Washington DC.
He was a member of the Federal Government Inter-Ministerial Committees of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing, respectively, between 2011 and January, 2020.
He has attended various bilateral and multilateral meetings, local and international conferences, workshops and Expert Working Group meetings organized by various international organizations, including Offices of the United Nations, as well as the governments of The Netherlands, Austria and Germany.
SIMON OVBE AKPADAKA: Is the Deputy General Manager in charge of the Finance Department at the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFA), Akpadaka Ovbe Simon, FCA, is a seasoned finance professional with over two decades of experience, predominantly in the oil and gas industry. He holds an MSc in International Accounting & Finance from the University of Liverpool, UK, and an HND in Accounting from Lagos State Polytechnic. In addition to these, he has expanded his expertise through a Certificate in Financial Markets from Yale University and a Certificate in Digital Disruption: Digital Transformation Strategies from the University of Cambridge, Judge Business School (Executive Education). Ovbe Simon is also a distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), an ICAN Merit Award holder, and an alumnus of the Executive Education program at Harvard Kennedy School. His career spans both the private and public sectors, with notable leadership roles in OGFZA, including heading the Internal Audit, Warri Free Zone, and Lagos Office.
ADAMU MAMMAN KONTAGORA: Kontagora is a Deputyt General Manager and Head of Department, Trade and Investment. He is a graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He had worked in the public service for six before joining the staff of OGFZA. He has attended and presented papers in many local and International conferences, Exhibitions and Trade and Investments seminars among which are:
Kontagora was part of the effort that brought the international conference on PRACTICAL LOCAL CONTENT by the UK group, CWC, to Onne, Rivers State, in 2010.
IVUOMA MICHAEL OKORO: Mrs Okoro is a Deputy General Manager/the Head, Policy, Planning, Research and Statistics Department. She had served in the Legal Department /Board Secretariat and at the Human Resources Unit of the Administration Department.
She holds a Professional Diploma in Human Resource Management from the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Post Graduate Diploma in Management, University of Calabar; B.Sc. (Hons) in Business Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; National Certificate in Education (NCE), Business Studies, Alvan Ikoku College of Education.
Before she joined OGFZA in 2004, she worked with Intels Nigeria Limited, Onne, Rivers State; Pauliza Computers, Lagos; Ujamma Consultants Ltd. (Management Consultants), Lagos; Nigeria Bottling Company (Coca-Cola), Jos, carrying out administrative/Cost Control functions.
Ivuoma is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM).
CYNTHIA EGURIDU: Mrs Eguridu is the Chief Operating Officer (C.O.O) of Freezone Global Investments Limited (the SPV of OGFZA). Freezone Global Investments Limited (www.fzgil.org), is the investment management/commercial subsidiary of OGFZA.
A member of the Harvard University alumnus community with an Executive Certificate in Public Policy, she holds a Master of Laws degree (LLM) in International Commercial Law from the University of Salford England, in addition to an MBA from London School of Business and Finance, M.A in Marketing & Communications and both B.A & MSc degrees in Economics from the University of Leicester, England.
Whilst managing a Business Consultancy & Advisory firm in London, United Kingdom, she was headhunted by the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria (SEC) to return to Nigeria and serve as a Special Adviser to the Director General. She has held a variety of Investment Advisory roles for many African Governments such as Sierra Leone, Uganda, Rwanda & Nigeria.
Eguridu was awarded the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award by Women in Business (AWIB) United Kingdom for two consecutive years. She received the UK ‘Individual Merit Award – for ‘Outstanding Performance’ and is a Life Member, SUNTUK Think Tank (Inns of Court London Think Tank on sustainable development in Emerging Economies).
Ngozi Eleberi is an Assistant General Manager and Head of Department in charge of Health Safety and Environment. She is a graduate of Applied Biology (Zoology option) from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology Port-harcourt. She obtained a professional diploma in Human Resource Management from the Charted institute of personnel management of Nigeria in 2018 and is an Associate of the Institute of Management. In 2021, She obtained a professional qualification in occupational Health and Safety from OSH Association, UK and was admitted into the OSH Association the same year. She joined OGFZA in 2001 as an administrative officer.
MOMOH SANI SHAIBU: Shaibu is Principal Manager/ HOD Registry holds a Bachelor of Laws (LL. B (Hons.), from Bayero University Kano, He was called to the Nigeria Bar, in 2000.
He began his career as a private legal practitioner at En-consult, Engineering firm in Kano where he served as the company secretary before moving to Diko and Mahmood law firm.
He also served as a Senior Legislative Aide at the National Assembly Service Commission from where he joined the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority, OGFZA in 2009.
Momoh Sani Shaibu is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association,
international dispute resolutions, international investments and investor state arbitrations. He also obtained certificates in Management and leadership training, Trade and investment promotion, Advanced procurement management and ease of doing business.