News

December 29, 2008

Afren Grows Production Base But Loses Dr Rilwanu Lukman To Nigerian Politics

There will be mixed feelings in the Afren camp this Christmas. Though the company is about to enter 2009 with record production, it has just lost its founder and chairman Dr Rilwanu Lukman to the world of Nigerian politics.

For a second time, the former OPEC boss will play a leading role in the West African country’s energy sector, after being named petroleum minister last week. This is good news for Nigeria, but a potential blow to Afren, though not necessarily a devastating one.

Indeed, Lukman’s popularity and connections could ultimately prove valuable for Afren. The man who founded the company in 2004 with a remit to build Africa’s premier independent oil company will no doubt retain close links to...