Aradel Holdings, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous oil and gas companies, has reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence as it celebrates 20 years of uninterrupted production from its flagship Ogbele field.

Speaking at the Management Session of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) Annual Conference in Lagos, Rita Olarewaju—who represented Adegbite Falade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Aradel Holdings Plc—highlighted that excellence is deeply ingrained in the company’s culture and strategic operations.

The session, themed “Driving Operational Efficiency and Human Capital in the Oil and Gas Sector towards Economic Advancement,” provided a platform for Aradel to showcase the pillars that have sustained its growth over the past two decades.

Olarewaju revealed that Aradel’s achievements are largely driven by an empowered indigenous workforce that consistently builds on accumulated knowledge and experience. According to her, clarity of purpose, accountability, adaptability, resilience, diversity, excellence, and leadership form the core of the company’s value system.

She emphasized that Aradel’s frontline leaders understand their authority and responsibilities, enabling them to make the right decisions and foster the mindset needed to deliver long-term value. Innovation, she noted, remains a central focus.

“What has been key to us is the type of company and what kind of value do we want to demonstrate with heart of excellence,” Olarewaju said.

“What are the things that we really need to impact? Having innovation teams and how can we make things faster? Where do we get improved?”

Aradel has also made significant strides in digitalization, ensuring that frontline teams are actively involved in optimizing systems and processes. The company’s early career development programs further ensure that employees have the right skills, exposure, and support to contribute effectively.

Olarewaju added that empowering staff with the authority and confidence to make informed decisions is critical, as it enables innovation and encourages a culture where value creation is consistently rewarded.

Looking ahead, she stressed that technology and artificial intelligence will shape the future of the oil and gas sector. She urged the industry to adopt flexible service delivery models, enhance collaboration, and ensure integration driven by the right values and mindsets.

She further advised industry stakeholders to prioritize developing the right skill sets—especially those aligned with sustainability, long-term productivity, and environmental responsibility. With rapid advancements in renewable energy and emerging technologies, Olarewaju cautioned that no one can predict what the next 40 years may bring, underscoring the need for companies to prepare proactively.

She concluded that while innovation is vital, technical competence remains equally essential in positioning the industry for the future.