DIEZANI ALISON- MADUEKE

Nigerian-born oil and gas expert, Diezani Alison-Madueke is known for significantly impacting the industry in West Africa. Starting her oil and gas career at the Shell Petroleum Development Corporation of Nigeria, Alison-Madueke went on to hold various senior positions across the organisation. Eventually, she became the first female executive director in Nigeria. She later served in three significant positions in the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: Minister of Transportation, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, and was the first woman Minister of Petroleum Resources.

During her tenure as Minister of Petroleum Resources, Alison-Madueke was able to make important changes. She implemented several new processes and procedures and initiated necessary change in the governing framework. She is known for carrying out several infrastructural projects, increasing gas supply and production and helping to bring an end to fuel scarcity in the region. Her work allowed the Nigerian Oil and Gas sector to compete at the same level as its international counterparts.

Diezani Alison-Madueke also had a positive impact on the Nigerian economy. She led the Petroleum Industry Bill, which aimed to create a more transparent and accountable National Petroleum

Company, as well as increase the amount of local equity ownership in the sector. Alison-Madueke strived to ensure that the Nigerian Content Act was signed and implemented into law, which further developed the local economy by empowering service companies within the sector.

Alison-Madueke later became the first female President of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries), as well as the first female President of the ministerial meeting of the GECF (Gas Exporting Countries Forum). She tore down walls as the first woman in a number of different positions, making her one of the most influential women to work in the Oil and Gas industry. As a strong advocate for female empowerment and women in the workforce in male-dominated industries, Diezani Alison-Madueke created The Network of Women in Oil and Gas and continues to support women within the industry.

Alison-Madueke studied at Howard University in the United States where she earned her

5year professional B.Arch. She later attended The Judge Business School, University of Cambridge for her MBA. Alison-Madueke received the prestigious British Foreign and Commonwealth Chevening Scholarship Award in 2002.