Nigerian Woman Leads $400M Gamble on Abandoned Oil Field

Uju Ifejika's gamble on the Ajapa Marginal Field has paid off in a big way. The field, which Chevron had abandoned due to its changing priorities, was transformed into a valuable asset under Ifejika's leadership.

In 2007, Ifejika committed over $400 million to developing the offshore block through her company, Brittania-U Nigeria Limited. This investment paid off quickly, as Ajapa went from drilling to commercial output in just 17 months.

This remarkable turnaround has earned Ifejika and Brittania-U a reputation as one of the fastest indigenous operators in the country. Ifejika's own background is also noteworthy - she started her career as a lawyer before joining Texaco, where she worked for over a decade, including holding senior positions at Chevron.