By Peter Egwuatu

Mr. Wasiu Abiola Owoola has emerged as a standout leader, exemplifying exceptional dedication and profound impact over a remarkable 30-year career with TotalEnergies EP Nigeria Limited.

As a distinguished Fortune 500 company, TotalEnergies has long been synonymous with industry leadership and innovation. Mr. Owoola’s tenure with this esteemed organization shows his significant role in advancing its mission and reinforcing its global reputation.

Joining TotalEnergies in 1993 as an Assistant Accountant in Treasury, Mr. Owoola began his career with a focus on financial integrity and operational efficiency. His early roles as Assistant Accountant in Cost & Joint Venture Accounts and later as Internal Auditor laid a strong foundation in financial management and internal controls of the company. These positions not only confirm his analytical skills but also solidified his understanding of the financial know-how of the company’s operations.

By May 2003, Mr. Owoola transitioned to the role of Joint Venture Coordinator and later Head, Operations Liaison. In this capacity, he interfaced with User Departments for required permits & approvals from Regulatory Agencies & Joint Venture Partners. He managed joint venture agreements and streamlined operational interfaces, enhancing collaboration and operational synergy. His adept management of cross-functional teams and stakeholder relations set a new standard for efficiency and effectiveness within the organization.

In November 2005, Mr. Owoola took on the critical role of Contracts & Ventures Coordinator for the multi-billion dollar Usan Project. He was instrumental in navigating the complexities of contract management and venture coordination among partners and regulatory bodies, ensuring that project goals were met with precision and timeliness. His strategic oversight and commitment to excellence were critical in driving the success of the Usan Project, which remains a testament to his outstanding leadership.

From February 2010 to September 2011, Mr. Owoola served as Venture Manager, Technical Partnership Assets, a delicate role as Non-Operator. This role demanded an exceptional ability to manage partners and leverage assets to maximize operational value. He interfaced with TotalEnergies Divisions & Operators’ Teams in budget & performance reviews with NUIMS (NAPIMS). His strategic vision and operational expertise significantly contributed to the optimization of partnership assets, reinforcing TotalEnergies’ position in the highly competitive oil and gas market.

Mr. Owoola’s critical role on Secondment to the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry as Government Relations &Communication Manager from September 2011 to January 2014 marked another essential chapter in his career. In this role, he strategically managed government relations and communication for oil & gas Majors as well as indigenous oil companies who are members of the OPTS; thus, forging a common front in navigating the regulatory landscape with skill and diplomacy. He worked the NNPC, NUPRC (DPR) Ministries and other Regulatory Agencies, for resolution of industry-wide issues.

Between February 2014 and April 2017, Mr. Owoola excelled as Manager of Deepwater Interface & Reporting. His leadership in managing deepwater interfaces and reporting mechanisms was crucial in ensuring transparency and operational clarity in DeepWater Assets. His ability to bridge technical and managerial aspects underscored his dynamic expertise and commitment to operational excellence in the company he has helped develop over many years.

Most recently, from May 2017 to April 2023, Mr. Owoola served as Partners/& Authorities Relations Manager for the Ikike Project. He successfully and expeditiously obtained the Ikike Project Field Development Plan (FDP) by NUPRC (DPR); as well as the approval of Joint Venture Partner NUIMS (NAPIMS) to launch the project. He was a member of the Joint Funding Team for the Alternative Funding for the development project. He ensured timely Monthly Cash Call approvals and payments. It is also important to note that Mr. Owoola vigorously pursued and secured approvals for the yearly work programs & budgets, performance reviews and approval of Change Orders on the project.

Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Owoola consistently demonstrated an unshakeable dedication to TotalEnergies’ core values and objectives. His leadership, critical roles, strategic insight, and operational expertise have been instrumental in driving the company’s success and reinforcing its status as a leader in the global oil and gas industry.

Mr. Owoola’s legacy at TotalEnergies is confirmation of his extraordinary ability, leadership prowess and ability to play a critical role in the industry marked by complexities. His indelible impact on the organization remains inscribed on the stone. As TotalEnergies continues to navigate the evolving energy landscape, Mr. Owoola’s career serves as an inspiring example of dedication, innovation, and excellence in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria.