Billionaire energy mogul Femi Otedola has revealed a dramatic late-night incident that almost cost Oando a multimillion-naira diesel cargo. The revelation, shared in his forthcoming memoir An African Powerhouse, offers a gripping account of corporate tension, rapid decision-making, and leadership under fire.

“Femi, our cargo is gone!”

According to Otedola, the crisis unfolded around 1 a.m. years ago, when Wale Tinubu, CEO of Oando, placed a frantic call. The company had already paid for a shipment of diesel from African Petroleum (AP) — then chaired by Otedola — but the cargo was not released.

“Wale called me in a panic,” Otedola writes. “He said, ‘Femi, our cargo is gone!’ I immediately got on the phone with our operations team.”

The issue stemmed from a delay in the cargo’s release, despite a letter of credit already being opened. Without swift intervention, Oando stood to lose both product and payment — a potential disaster.

The Power of One Call

Otedola’s prompt action resolved the crisis, ensuring the cargo was delivered and preventing what could have been a financial and reputational blow for both companies.

“In business, one phone call can change everything,” he reflects in the book. The moment encapsulates the high stakes and volatile nature of Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.

A Glimpse Into the Energy World

Otedola’s memoir promises rare insights into the inner workings of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry — from supply chain bottlenecks to boardroom brinkmanship. The book also chronicles his transformation of African Petroleum and his lasting impact on the downstream petroleum market.

Industry watchers believe the memoir could spark new conversations around legacy, leadership, energy reforms, and the culture of corporate trust in Nigeria’s oil economy.

Coming Soon

An African Powerhouse is slated for release later this year, with early excerpts already stirring interest across business and policy circles. For those interested in oil sector dynamics, entrepreneurship, and high-stakes leadership, the memoir is shaping up to be a must-read.