Alfred Okoigun, founder of ARCO Group Plc and one of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous oil and gas entrepreneurs, is marking his 70th birthday with accolades pouring in from industry leaders, public figures, and communities he has touched over more than four decades of service.
Okoigun established ARCO Petrochemical Engineering in 1980, building it into a resilient indigenous group that now spans engineering, marine logistics, asset integrity, and advanced security technologies. His vision has consistently emphasised local talent, infrastructure, and human capital as the backbone of national growth.
In 1982, he convened the first Gas Reinjection Seminar at the Petroleum Training Institute, Warri, spotlighting the dangers of gas flaring and shaping national policy on the practice. Since then, his career has been defined by pioneering efforts to promote local content and transfer technical knowledge.
ARCO’s milestones include acquiring a majority stake in Sulzer Pumps Nigeria, fully localising ARCO Marine’s fleet, and launching the nation’s first licensed Drone Academy. These initiatives underscore his foresight in preparing Nigerians for the future of energy and technology.
Human capital development has remained central to his mission. ARCO has sponsored engineers for advanced training abroad, forged partnerships with global manufacturers, and invested in technical expertise. Many beneficiaries of these programmes now occupy senior roles in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
Beyond engineering, Okoigun has promoted Nigerian excellence on the global stage, sponsoring awards such as the NEST in London and supporting NiDCOM’s National Diaspora Merit Award in 2025. He has also invested in youth and sports development, notably backing the “Making of Champions” athletics programme, which produced stars like Joy Udo-Gabriel.
Operationally, ARCO has logged over 10 million man-hours without a lost-time injury at Nigeria LNG, accumulated more than 7,000 NCAA-certified drone flight hours, and is on course to expand its marine fleet to 15 vessels by 2026.
Okoigun’s influence extends into professional circles, where he is recognised as a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Petroleum Training Institute. At industry forums, he has consistently advocated stronger indigenous participation and leadership in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
As he celebrates 70, colleagues and admirers alike hail his story as proof that private enterprise can serve the public good. His legacy is etched not only in business success but in the lives of people and communities he has uplifted.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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