Oghale Akpobome leads Shell Nigeria’s IT operations, driving digital transformation to improve efficiency and support regional growth in the energy sector.
Oghale Akpobome has established herself as a key figure in digital and technological operations within Shell Nigeria, a multinational company and major player in the Nigerian energy sector. Her work focuses on managing the company’s IT operations centre, which supports six Shell entities and serves over 20,000 users, playing a vital role in maintaining the company’s infrastructure and operational efficiency.
With an educational background that includes an MBA and certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), RMP (Risk Management Professional), and FNCS (Fellow of the Nigerian Computer Society), she combines strategic management with technical expertise. This blend has been central to her efforts in developing and sustaining IT systems that meet the company’s substantial operational demands.
Oghale has overseen a significant budget aimed at transforming the multinational’s IT framework, focusing on improving web and storage infrastructures, reducing downtime, and enhancing overall productivity. These initiatives have sought to align IT capabilities closely with the broader business objectives.
Throughout her tenure, she has contributed to numerous projects in Nigeria, many of which were delivered within planned timelines and budgets, as well as programmes in the Middle East and North Africa. Her involvement in these projects has supported expansion efforts and helped integrate new markets into the company’s operations.
An important aspect of her role has been managing IT strategies during mergers and acquisitions in the upstream sector, helping Shell navigate entry into new geographic markets. This work requires not only technical skills but also the ability to manage complex organisational changes.
Oghale Akpobome is also recognised as the first female Country IT Operations Manager at Shell Nigeria. Beyond her technical and managerial duties, she engages in leadership development and speaks at events such as TEDx, advocating for technology’s role in empowerment and growth.
Her outreach includes initiatives like the “YOUNG & SAFE ONLINE” series, which educates young people about digital safety, and mentoring roles such as with Decoding Data Science, where she supports talent development and promotes skills in data literacy.
Through her work, Shell Nigeria has strengthened its IT infrastructure and extended its influence within the region, reflecting ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving technological and market demands. Akpobome represents a broader shift towards embracing digital solutions within the energy industry, as companies balance operational demands with the need for innovation and sustainability.
