In a world where leadership, resilience, and innovation define success, Sophia Mbakwe has emerged as a formidable force in Nigeria’s legal and energy sectors. Her remarkable journey—from a fresh law graduate to Managing Director and CEO of NNPC Energy Services Ltd—stands as a testament to ambition, strategic thinking, and leadership that drives real change.
Sophia Mbakwe’s career began with a strong academic foundation. She earned her LLB from Edo State University, Ekpoma, before completing her bar qualification at the Nigerian Law School in 1993. Like many legal professionals, she started in private practice, joining the prestigious law firm Abdulai, Taiwo, and Co. after her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year. There, she sharpened her skills in commercial and civil litigation.
However, Sophia’s ambitions stretched beyond traditional legal practice. In 1995, she made a bold transition into the corporate world, joining Statoil (now Equinor). Over an impressive 19-year tenure, she rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Manager of Government, Public Affairs, and Head of Legal & Business Development—a role that showcased her ability to navigate complex business landscapes.
During her time at Statoil, Sophia distinguished herself as a leader committed to ethical business practices and community impact. She spearheaded the Akassa Community Development Programme, a pioneering sustainability initiative that earned global recognition. Its success was cemented when it won the Excellence in Sustainability Award at the World Petroleum Congress—an achievement that highlighted her dedication to corporate social responsibility.
In 2015, Sophia took on a pivotal role at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as the Pioneer General Manager of Contracts and Procurement. Her impact was transformative. She modernised procurement processes by introducing electronic bid submissions through the NipeX Portal, significantly improving transparency and efficiency. She also led the Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) strategy for critical downstream infrastructure, bolstering Nigeria’s energy sector.
One of her most notable contributions was serving as Team Lead for the Refinery Rehabilitation Project, where she managed the contracting process for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s three major refineries—Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna. Her strategic vision and leadership did not go unnoticed, and in October 2022, she was appointed Managing Director and CEO of NNPC Energy Services Ltd—a role that underscores her expertise and influence in the industry.
Sophia’s impact extends far beyond her corporate achievements. She remains an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and serves as a trustee of SCORE CHARITY, supporting the Sickle Cell Cohort Research (SCORE) Foundation. Her commitment to health advocacy and social impact reflects her belief in using influence to drive meaningful change.
1. Embrace Change – Sophia’s career demonstrates the power of adaptability, from law to energy, proving that reinvention can lead to extraordinary success.
2. Lead with Impact – Whether in CSR or procurement, her work has consistently prioritised sustainability, efficiency, and long-term value.
3. Break Barriers – As a woman excelling in male-dominated industries, she embodies resilience, proving that excellence knows no gender.
Sophia Mbakwe’s story is not just one of professional triumph—it is a narrative of vision, tenacity, and the courage to redefine industries. For aspiring leaders, particularly women in law, energy, and business, her journey offers a blueprint for turning ambition into lasting legacy.
