Professional Citation for Engr. Tunde Ehizoje
Engr. Tunde Ehizoje is an accomplished and seasoned professional in the oil and gas industry, bringing over three decades of experience and expertise in oilfield services, petroleum engineering, health and safety, and project management. With a strong academic foundation in Mechanical Engineering and extensive experience across various industry giants, Engr. Ehizoje has made significant contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Nigeria, Engr. Ehizoje developed a keen interest in engineering and problem-solving at a young age. He pursued a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Mechanical Engineering at the prestigious University of Ibadan, graduating in 1989 with Second Class Honors. This academic achievement laid the foundation for his impressive career in the oil and gas sector, where his technical acumen and leadership skills became key drivers of his success.
Career Beginnings at Halliburton Energy Services (1990-1999)
Engr. Ehizoje’s career began in 1990 at Halliburton Energy Services West Africa Limited, where he worked as a Field Operations Engineer. During his time at Halliburton, he gained invaluable experience in well planning, well-completion design, and equipment specification. His responsibilities included supervising well-completion jobs, conducting post-completion reviews, and implementing well services for onshore and offshore locations. His technical prowess was further developed through various training programs at Halliburton Training Centre’s in Dallas, Texas, Duncan, Oklahoma, and New Iberia, Louisiana. By 1997, his dedication and expertise earned him a promotion to Manager, overseeing well services and interventions. In this capacity, he led the design, coordination, and implementation of well services operations, focusing on completion techniques, well integrity, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards. His notable contributions during this period included working on high-profile projects in South Texas and the Gulf of Mexico, where he supervised complex completion designs and coordinated multi-disciplinary teams.
Contributions to Shell Petroleum Development Company (1999-2002)
In 1999, Engr. Ehizoje joined Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as a Well Intervention Supervisor (Consultant). His role involved field supervision of various well intervention operations, including slickline, electric logging, perforation, and pumping operations. Engr. Ehizoje was instrumental in ensuring the safety and efficiency of Shell’s offshore and onshore field operations. He demonstrated an exceptional ability to assess and mitigate risks, providing technical support in designing and executing safe and cost-effective downhole well completions and workovers throughout the life of the field. At SPDC, Engr. Ehizoje played a key role in maintaining wellhead integrity, conducting maintenance activities, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. His leadership in these areas contributed to improved productivity and operational excellence at Shell’s facilities.
Enhancing Operational Excellence at Addax Petroleum (2002-2005)
In 2002, Engr. Ehizoje transitioned to Addax Petroleum Development (Nig.) Ltd. as a Well Services/Intervention Supervisor. His responsibilities mirrored those of his previous roles, with an emphasis on managing well integrity and supervising well interventions. At Addax, he continued to refine his technical and leadership skills, further solidifying his reputation as an expert in well services operations. His ability to coordinate between field teams and management ensured that projects were executed efficiently and met all safety and regulatory standards.
Leadership Roles at Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) (2005-2022)
In 2005, Engr. Ehizoje’s career took a pivotal turn when he joined the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), as a Deputy Manager of Production Technology. Over the next decade, he ascended the ranks, assuming leadership roles that significantly impacted NPDC’s production capacity and operational success. As Deputy Manager, Engr. Ehizoje provided expertise in well-completion, intervention, and production optimization. His efforts led to a substantial increase in production across NPDC’s assets, adding 11,300 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 100 MMSCF/D of gas through strategic well interventions. His work on well completions in the Oredo and Abura fields was particularly noteworthy, contributing to increased gas production and the efficient management of NPDC’s assets.
War Room Commander and the Peak of NPDC Production
In 2016, NPDC management recognized Engr. Ehizoje’s exceptional leadership and technical abilities, appointing him as War Room Commander. In this role, he was tasked with leading NPDC’s production optimization initiatives. His impact was immediate, driving production from 87,000 bopd to a new daily peak of 155,000 bopd within just three weeks—an astonishing 80% increase in production. His leadership as War Room Commander was further cemented by his strategic management of NPDC’s assets. He led the completion of 18 wells across various NPDC fields, including Oredo, Abura, and Ogini, adding significant production volumes and enhancing the corporation’s overall efficiency. Engr. Ehizoje’s ability to troubleshoot and implement quick-win solutions made him a key figure in NPDC’s production success.
Asset Management and Strategic Initiatives (2016-2019)
Engr. Ehizoje’s success as War Room Commander paved the way for his appointment as Asset Manager for OML 26/30 and OML 13. In this role, he led business model development, budget planning, and investment strategies for these assets. His leadership was instrumental in securing alternative funding arrangements for the development of OML-13 and overseeing re-entry activities aimed at achieving first oil within a short timeframe. Under his guidance, NPDC enhanced its operational efficiency and maintained compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards. Engr. Ehizoje’s strategic vision extended to OML-30, where he optimized gas lift systems across producing fields and facilitated a steady gas supply to the Oweh field. His efforts in implementing subsurface disposal strategies saved NPDC approximately $80 million annually from operational expenses, further demonstrating his ability to drive cost-efficient solutions in high-stakes environments.
Contributions to National Oil and Gas Growth (2019-2022)
In 2019, Engr. Ehizoje was appointed General Manager and Technical Assistant (Upstream/Gas and Power) to the Group Managing Director of NNPC. In this advisory role, he was responsible for monitoring national reserves, ensuring the sustainability of Nigeria’s crude oil and gas production, and overseeing upstream financing projects. His work in this capacity contributed to NNPC’s goal of achieving 40 billion barrels in national reserves. Engr. Ehizoje also played a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s gas infrastructure development projects, including the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline and the NLNG T7 Expansion Project. His technical input and strategic oversight helped NNPC achieve its gas supply and infrastructure goals, further positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global energy market.
General Manager of Exploration and Development (2020-2022)
In 2020, Engr. Ehizoje was appointed General Manager of Exploration and Development at NPDC. His responsibilities included overseeing all exploration and subsurface development programs, preparing and administering reservoir management plans, and ensuring data accuracy across NPDC’s assets. His strategic leadership led to the successful implementation of the NPDC Gas Master Plan and the development of a flare-out program, contributing to increased reserves and production optimization.
Chief Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Officer (2022-2024)
In October 2022, Engr. Ehizoje transitioned into a critical role as Chief Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Officer at NNPC. In this position, he was responsible for developing corporate HSE policies, overseeing accident investigations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Engr. Ehizoje’s focus on improving safety standards and promoting a culture of health and safety led to significant improvements in workplace safety across NNPC’s operations.
His leadership in this area ensured that NNPC maintained high standards of operational safety, reduced workplace incidents, and fostered a safer working environment for all employees. His contributions to HSE compliance were recognized across the corporation, making him a vital asset to NNPC’s overall safety and sustainability efforts.
Managing Director at NNPC Energy Services Limited (2024-Present)
In July 2024, Engr. Ehizoje was appointed Managing Director of NNPC Energy Services Limited (NNPC EnServ Ltd.), where he led the design and implementation of strategies related to integrated upstream oilfield services. Under his leadership, NNPC EnServ Ltd. has expanded its service offerings in data acquisition, drilling, completion services, well-head engineering, and logistics, positioning the company as a competitive player in the oilfield services market. Engr. Ehizoje has focused on enhancing the technical capabilities of the company through staff training and investment in cutting-edge technology. His efforts to secure local and international partnerships have further strengthened NNPC EnServ Ltd.’s competitive edge in tendering for world-class projects in West Africa and beyond.
Conclusion
Throughout his career, Engr. Tunde Ehizoje has demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise, making substantial contributions to Nigeria's oil and gas industry. His achievements in project management, operational optimization, and health safety compliance have been recognized through numerous leadership roles, making him a key figure in Nigeria's energy sector development.