Milestone at 65: President Tinubu Honors Waltersmith Chairman Abdulrazaq Isa

On February 7, 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his congratulations to Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, the co-founder and chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, as he celebrated his 65th birthday. The President’s message, delivered through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, lauded Isa as a “business leader with the Midas touch” and a symbol of indigenous industrial excellence.

Isa’s journey—from a high-stakes banking career to leading one of Nigeria’s most significant independent energy firms—mirrors the country’s broader push for domestic energy security.

1. A Legacy of Indigenous Innovation

Abdulrazaq Isa has spent over three decades at the intersection of finance and energy. Under his leadership, Waltersmith has evolved from a small E&P firm into a diversified energy group:

• The Pioneer: Waltersmith commissioned Nigeria’s first modular refinery at Ibigwe, Imo State, in 2020.

• Global Ambition: President Tinubu noted that Isa’s success in building a “global brand” affirms Nigeria as a fertile ground for sustainable investment.

• Resilience: Commended for his “business acumen,” Isa has navigated the complexities of the Nigerian oil sector, ensuring Waltersmith remains a key player in domestic refining.

2. Waltersmith Refinery: The 2026 Expansion

The 65th birthday milestone coincides with a pivotal year for Isa’s flagship refinery project.

• Phase 2 Launch: As of January 2026, the refinery has transitioned into its second phase, moving from a 5,000 bpd capacity to 10,000 bpd.

• Diversified Output: While Phase 1 focused on diesel (AGO) and naphtha, the 2026 expansion includes units for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS/Petrol) and Kerosene (DPK).

• The 50,000 BPD Goal: Isa remains committed to an ultimate target of 50,000 bpd, positioning the facility as a regional energy hub alongside the Waltersmith Industrial & Innovation Park.

3. Philanthropy and Science Education

President Tinubu specifically highlighted Isa’s role as a “lodestar” for younger Nigerians, particularly through his support for science and medical education.

• Institutional Support: Isa has been a major donor to the Federal University Lokoja (FUL), promising support for their Teaching Hospital and endowment of professorial chairs in mining and geology.

• Grassroots Impact: His philanthropic history includes donating multi-million naira ultra-modern science laboratories to secondary schools in his home state of Kogi, reflecting his belief that “total development can only be achieved through quality education.”

Abdulrazaq Isa: Career & Impact Profile

“The efforts of entrepreneurs like the chairman of Waltersmith Petroman affirm Nigeria as a fertile place for investments and reinforce faith in the nation’s business environment.” — President Bola Tinubu, February 2026.