Elozino Olaniyan Appointed Midwestern Oil and Gas’ First Female CEO

Midwestern Oil and Gas, a Nigerian independent oil and gas exploration and production company, has appointed Elozino Olaniyan as its first female Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 December 2025. The move marks a historic milestone, heralding a new era of inclusive leadership and reinforcing the company’s commitment to responsible growth, strong governance, and national energy development.

With over 30 years of experience in the energy sector, Olaniyan brings extensive expertise in upstream operations, corporate strategy, and stakeholder engagement. She previously served as GM, Safety & Environment at Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, where she spearheaded reforms to improve operational efficiency and environmental management.

Her appointment coincides with Midwestern’s renewed focus on governance reform, leadership stability, and long-term value creation. The company has strengthened its governance framework by reconstituting its Board of Directors with a robust core of Independent Non-Executive Directors to ensure enhanced oversight and accountability.

Olaniyan will lead an executive team tasked with driving operational excellence, innovation, and expanded local content impact through partnerships, talent development, and initiatives aligned with national energy priorities.

Reacting to her new role, Olaniyan said, “I am honoured to lead Midwestern at this pivotal stage. Our focus will be on operational discipline, transparency, and sustainable growth that benefits all stakeholders. Together with our strengthened leadership team, we are poised to deliver long-term value and play an even stronger role in Nigeria’s energy future.”

Midwestern’s Board Chairman, Emeka Okwuosa, described Olaniyan’s appointment as a defining moment for the company. “She represents the new face of Nigerian energy leadership: technically grounded, strategically minded, and deeply committed to sustainability and people. The Board has full confidence in her ability to lead Midwestern through its next phase of growth,” he said.