Sophia Innih-Mbakwe is the Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Limited where she oversees the company’s administrative, human resources, and support functions-ensuring that operational efficiency remains high and internal processes align with NNPC’s long-term objectives. Her leadership enhances cross-functional collaboration and optimize internal workflows within the company.
She is an experienced executive with a solid track record in corporate services, with over 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, legal and corporate strategy.
Her journey began at Statoil where she served as the Head Legal, Government Relations where she gave impacts and gained solid ground in legal and government relations.
She continued building her career by working at NNPC Limited as Group General Manager, She also managed NNPC’s Supply Chain Management Division and served as Secretary to the highest decision-making body overseeing procurement processes.
Spearheaded strategic procurement efforts for the rehabilitation of the three key refineries: Port Harcourt Refining Company, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company and Kaduna Refining & Petrochemical Company
Led a team that achieved over $5M in cost savings by reviewing the Offshore Processing Arrangement (OPA) framework and establishing a sustainable Direct Sale – Direct Purchase (DSDP) arrangement to secure energy supply sufficiency for Nigeria.
- Instrumental in renegotiating contracts by 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, aligning with top management’s cost optimization goals.
She was in charge of Government & Public Affairs, Legal Adviser, Commercial Manager in Statoil (Equinor) in the early years
Sophia is on the Sickle Cell Cohort Research (SCORE) board.
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Sophia also served as the Managing Director NNPC Energy Services Ltd a company formed by merging the Integrated Data Services Limited, Frontier Exploration and the Oilfield Services with an accumulation of over 35 years of experience in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Exploration and Production services.
She spearheaded a cultural shift within the organization, transitioning the workforce from siloed operations to a cohesive, one-entity mindset focused on shared goals and collaboration. Fostered strategic partnerships with top-tier oil service companies to leverage cutting-edge technologies and global expertise for enhanced performance.
She also worked as the Managing Director of Antan where she led a dedicated team to optimize asset management and explore opportunities for increasing national oil and gas production.
In her role as the Senior Business Adviser for the Upstream directorate Sophia, she provided critical business advisory and strategic planning services to support the EVP Upstream.
Sophia is a Group General Manager Supply Chain Management, Pioneer Managing Director of NNPC Energy Services Ltd (EnServ) and First Female Managing Director of Antan Producing Ltd in Nigeria’s Upstream Sector.
Sophia has led various high-impact projects, playing a vital role in operational efficiency, cost optimization enhancing production and driving strategic partnerships.
With a solid legal background, deep industry expertise, and a dedication to humanitarian causes, Sophia is passionate about contributing to the growth and success of the energy sector and making an impact.
Instinct Women’s Woman of the Week recognizes outstanding women leaders whose influence, innovation, and leadership are shaping industries across the globe and Sophia Innih-Mbakwe exemplifies this impact in West Africa’s oil and gas industry, legal and corporate strategy
