Nigerian entrepreneurs are being urged to rethink how they build businesses, with petroleum engineer and consultant Usunobun Ernest placing mentorship and strategic planning at the center of long-term success.
Ernest, founder of CitiTap Nig Ltd, has carved out a reputation not just as a business strategist in energy and real estate but also as a guide for emerging entrepreneurs. With over a decade of professional experience and projects spanning both the public and private sectors, he now channels much of his expertise into coaching the next generation.
“Too many people chase profit without building the structures to sustain it,” Ernest explained. “The real question is: how do you remain relevant year after year?”
Through CitiTap Nig Ltd, he has provided investment insights in fast-growing areas like Epe and Ibeju-Lekki while advising on energy initiatives. But his recent pivot into mentorship underscores a deeper mission — preparing entrepreneurs for resilience, risk management, and strategic diversification.
At his workshops, Ernest challenges participants to look beyond passion-driven decisions. “Your passion gives you purpose, but numbers and systems give you growth,” he told a group of young founders. “Cash flow, market demand, and scalability must guide every serious entrepreneur.”
His personal mantra, “The best or nothing,” has become a rallying call for those he mentors. He stresses that Nigerian businesses must embrace global best practices while keeping an eye on local realities. “Competing internationally requires more than survival instincts. You need teams, systems, and processes that can thrive even in your absence,” he said.
Across Nigeria’s innovation hubs, from digital startups to property development, Ernest’s advisory approach is gaining traction. By combining strategy with mentorship, he is positioning himself as one of the voices reshaping how Nigerian entrepreneurs prepare for the future.
