Alfred Okoigun Marks 70 Years of Service and Leadership

Alfred Okoigun, the founder of ARCO Group Plc and a prominent figure in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, is celebrating his 70th birthday. This milestone comes with widespread recognition from industry leaders, public figures, and communities that have benefited from his four decades of dedicated service. Okoigun’s career has been marked by significant contributions to local content and the development of indigenous talent in the energy sector.

In 1980, Okoigun established ARCO Petrochemical Engineering, transforming it into a diverse entity that encompasses engineering, marine logistics, asset integrity, and advanced security technologies. His vision has consistently prioritized local talent and infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of human capital as essential for national development.

Influencing Policy and Promoting Local Content

Okoigun’s commitment to local content is exemplified by his organization of the first Gas Reinjection Seminar at the Petroleum Training Institute in Warri in 1982. This event highlighted the environmental hazards of gas flaring and played a crucial role in shaping national policy regarding this practice. His career has been characterized by innovative efforts to enhance local capabilities and facilitate knowledge transfer within the industry.

Under Okoigun’s leadership, ARCO has achieved numerous milestones, including acquiring a majority stake in Sulzer Pumps Nigeria and fully localizing the ARCO Marine fleet. The launch of Nigeria’s first licensed Drone Academy further illustrates his foresight in preparing the nation’s workforce for advancements in energy and technology.

Human capital development remains a cornerstone of Okoigun’s mission. ARCO has sponsored numerous engineers for advanced training abroad and established partnerships with global manufacturers. Many beneficiaries of these initiatives now hold senior positions within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, contributing to its growth and sustainability.

Championing Nigerian Excellence and Community Development

Beyond his contributions to engineering, Okoigun has been a strong advocate for promoting Nigerian excellence on the global stage. He has sponsored prestigious awards such as the NEST in London and supported the National Diaspora Merit Award by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) set for 2025. His commitment to youth and sports development is evident through his backing of the “Making of Champions” athletics programme, which has produced notable talents like Joy Udo-Gabriel.

Operationally, ARCO has achieved significant safety milestones, 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 is set to expand its marine fleet to 15 vessels by 2026, reinforcing its commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Okoigun’s influence reaches into professional circles as well. He is recognized as a Fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Petroleum Training Institute. At various industry forums, he has consistently advocated for greater indigenous participation and leadership within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

As he celebrates this significant milestone, colleagues and admirers regard Okoigun’s journey as a testament to the potential of private enterprise to contribute positively to society. His legacy is not only defined by his business successes but also by the lives and communities he has uplifted throughout his career.