In an industry dominated by men and global oil giants, Catherine Uju Ifejika, Chairman and CEO of Brittania-U Group, continues to redefine boundaries. With her audacious acquisition of Nigeria’s largest vessel for cabotage trading, Ifejika has set a groundbreaking precedent for indigenous businesses in the oil and gas sector.
A Visionary Leader in Nigerian Oil and Gas
Brittania-U Nigeria Limited, established in 1995, operates as an integrated oil and gas company. Its operations span upstream exploration, drilling, trading, shipping, and consultancy services. Over the years, Brittania-U has carved out a unique position as the first indigenous exploration and production company to receive 100% funding from Nigerian banks—Union Bank of Nigeria Plc and First Bank of Nigeria Plc—securing $120 million for offshore operations.
Under Ifejika’s leadership, the company has become a powerhouse in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Its notable assets include a stake in the Ajapa marginal oil field on Oil Mining Lease (OML) 90, with reserves now valued at a staggering $4.3 billion.
Breaking New Ground: Nigeria’s Largest Cabotage Vessel
The acquisition of Nigeria’s largest vessel for cabotage trading marks another bold move by Brittania-U. Described as a mega-sized tanker barge, the vessel is a testament to the company’s commitment to expanding its shipping and downstream trading operations.
This achievement is not only a personal milestone for Ifejika but also a victory for indigenous oil firms striving to compete in a market dominated by foreign players. At a shipping stakeholders’ forum in Lagos, Princess Vicky Hastruup, Chairman of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), emphasized the need for government policies to protect and empower local businesses like Brittania-U.
“Vessels don’t come cheap. They are bought at tens of millions of dollars. She would not have been able to acquire the vessel without support from Nigerian banks, but if she is not given jobs by international oil companies (IOCs), how will she service the credit?” Hastruup stated, urging the government to enforce policies that prioritize indigenous investments.
A Global Influence
Catherine Uju Ifejika’s impact extends beyond Nigeria. In 2015, she received the United States Commercial Service’s International Partner Award for fostering business ties between Nigeria and the United States. This recognition highlighted Brittania-U’s investments in US-made goods and services, further cementing its position as a global player in the oil and gas industry.
Brittania-U: An Integrated Business Model
Brittania-U’s diversified operations include:
•Exploration & Production: Managing reserves and assets like the Ajapa oil field.
•Drilling Services: Through Brittania-U Drilling and Oil Services Ltd.
•Shipping & Trading: Via Nexttee Oil & Gas Trading Company Nigeria Ltd.
•Consultancy: Offering geology and engineering expertise through Data Appraisal Nigeria Ltd.
This holistic approach has positioned Brittania-U as a versatile and resilient company, embodying the grit and innovation necessary to thrive in a challenging industry.
The Legacy of Courage and Innovation
Catherine Uju Ifejika’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of bold leadership and indigenous investment. Her historic acquisition not only elevates Brittania-U’s status but also inspires a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs to dream big and break barriers in global markets.
With Brittania-U’s continuous growth and Ifejika’s visionary leadership, the company remains a symbol of what is possible when ambition meets opportunity.
