In a continent where access to capital and political networks often define success, Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi carved an extraordinary path — one built not on privilege or connections, but on vision, grit, and relentless innovation.
As the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nestoil Limited, he stands today at the helm of one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most diversified industrial powerhouses, with interests that cut across oil and gas, energy, aviation, real estate, manufacturing, and communications.
His business journey began humbly in 1983 when he launched Obijackson West Africa Limited, a small trading firm that imported household goods, engineering tools, and consumer products into Nigeria. What started as a modest operation would, over the next four decades, evolve into a network of high-impact enterprises shaping Africa’s infrastructure and energy future.
By 1991, Azudialu-Obiejesi had founded Nestoil Limited, an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (EPCC) company that became the cornerstone of his industrial group. Today, Nestoil employs over 3,000 professionals and executes major projects in pipeline construction, civil works, pressure vessel manufacturing, dredging, steel fabrication, horizontal drilling, and oilfield services across multiple African markets.
A Vision that Built an Industrial Ecosystem
Through bold diversification, Dr. Azudialu-Obiejesi transformed his entrepreneurial base into a network of specialized subsidiaries that now dominate key sectors.
Here are ten of his most significant ventures:
1. Century Power Generation
Aiming to bridge Nigeria’s energy deficit, Century Power is developing a 1,500MW gas-fired power plant in Okija, Anambra State, with a 495MW first phase already planned to supply reliable power to homes and industries.
2. Energy Works Technology (EWT)
Established in 1999, EWT manufactures process plant equipment, steel structures, and pressure vessels for both oil and non-oil industries. Once a small fabrication outfit, it now ranks among West Africa’s leading process equipment manufacturers.
3. Hammakopp Consortium
Founded in 1999, Hammakopp provides civil construction, structural fabrication, sewage treatment, and project management services. Its Okija asphalt plant produces 120 tons of asphalt per hour, while its Port Harcourt facility houses a modern marine jetty and fabrication yard.
4. Interwamaco Limited
Created in 2011, this waste management company handles collection, transportation, and landfill operations, advancing environmental sustainability and cleaner cities across Nigeria.
5. B&Q Dredging
After acquiring Julius Berger Nigeria’s dredging assets, B&Q Dredging became the nation’s leading indigenous marine construction firm. Its clients include Chevron, Mobil, and Agip, among others.
6. Neconde Energy Limited
In 2010, Azudialu-Obiejesi co-founded Neconde, an independent oil and gas company. A year later, it acquired a 45% stake in OML 42 for $585 million, marking one of Nigeria’s landmark indigenous acquisitions in the upstream sector.
7. Nesto Aviation Services (NestAv)
Established in 2013, NestAv offers helicopter and jet charter services for VIP, corporate, and oil industry logistics across Africa, expanding the group’s reach into aviation and offshore operations.
8. Nestoil Upstream
Founded in 1999, this arm manages pipeline construction and maintenance across difficult terrains. Despite industry volatility, Nestoil Upstream has maintained consistent operations with over 2,000 specialists.
9. Shipside Drydock Limited
Shipside Drydock delivers ship repair, maintenance, and dry-docking services across West Africa. Built by Damen Shipyard (Netherlands), the facility employs up to 200 professionals and supports Nigeria’s maritime logistics chain.
10. Smile Communications Nigeria Limited
A major player in 4G LTE broadband, Smile serves Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. With Nigeria driving 80% of its operations, the firm plans further expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Philanthropy and Nation-Building
Beyond boardrooms, Dr. Azudialu-Obiejesi channels his influence through the Obijackson Foundation, which funds education, healthcare, and empowerment initiatives. From building schools and hospitals to supporting youth entrepreneurship, the foundation reflects his belief that sustainable progress begins with people.
From a small trading outfit in the 1980s to a billion-dollar conglomerate spanning multiple sectors, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi’s story is one of perseverance, foresight, and a quiet revolution in African industrialization — proof that global-scale enterprise can emerge from humble beginnings.
