*Ogungbangbe recounts journey from car boot operation to nearly $200m aviation fuel enterprise as industry leaders, royalty celebrate milestone
From a modest beginning at Port Harcourt International Airport in 2006, CITA Energies has expanded its aviation fuel operations to 17 airports across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, marking two decades of growth, innovation and indigenous participation in the country’s aviation industry.
The company’s Chairman, Dr. Thomas Olaleye Ogungbangbe, disclosed this during its 20th anniversary celebration at the Grandeur Event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, October 16, 2026.
Ogungbangbe said the company, which started with operations coordinated from his living room and car, had grown into a major aviation fuel enterprise with facilities he valued at nearly $200 million and international supply arrangements spanning several continents.
He described the achievement as a testament to perseverance, strategic investment and the opportunities created by government policies encouraging indigenous participation in the petroleum industry.
Recalling the company’s early struggles, Ogungbangbe said its administrative operations initially revolved around his home and vehicle, where company documents were kept before the business acquired substantial infrastructure.
“CITA started right inside my living room and my car,” he told the gathering.
According to him, the company has developed into what he described as the largest indigenous aviation fuel marketing enterprise by facilities in Nigeria and West Africa, supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs.
He attributed the company’s growth to divine providence, dedicated employees, strategic partnerships, and the ability to navigate Nigeria’s difficult business environment.
Quoting Ecclesiastes 9:11, the chairman observed that success was not necessarily determined by strength, speed or wisdom, but also by time and opportunity.
He described the aviation fuel business as particularly demanding because aircraft operations require uninterrupted fuel supply regardless of weekends, public holidays, or religious celebrations.
“As long as aircraft are flying in the sky, you must be on the ground pumping fuel,” he said.
Ogungbangbe recalled how the company’s pioneering employees endured difficult working conditions, sometimes working through rain and intense sunshine to establish operations and maintain customer confidence.
He also acknowledged the role of government policy reforms in opening the aviation fuel market to indigenous companies after decades of multinational dominance.
A documentary screened during the celebration traced CITA’s development from its establishment in Port Harcourt in 2006 to its present nationwide operations.
In 2007, the company took over a facility previously operated by Mobil Oil Nigeria at Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.
Despite working capital challenges between 2006 and 2008, CITA acquired mobile aircraft-refuelling equipment sourced from the British Ministry of Defence, introducing technology that helped expand its operational capacity.
By 2009, the company had secured contracts with Chevron Nigeria Limited for aviation fuel system maintenance and aircraft-refuelling services at offshore locations.
A major expansion followed in 2014 when CITA completed three aviation fuel storage tanks and a depot with a handling capacity of 1.5 million litres, acquired 15 trailer heads, and recorded annual sales of 40 million litres.
The company subsequently extended its operations to Sokoto, Calabar, Enugu, Maiduguri, Yola, Owerri, and Asaba, establishing additional storage and refuelling facilities.
Strategic partnerships with Puma Energy between 2017 and 2019, as well as Bono Energy in 2023, further strengthened its operational capacity and supply network.
CITA also expanded its infrastructure at Port Harcourt airport in 2022 with the completion of a 240,000-litre aviation fuel handling facility.
The company said its relationship with World Fuel Services had facilitated international aviation fuel supply arrangements covering airports in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America.
It also announced the attainment of three international management system certifications in 2026: ISO 9001:2015 for quality management, ISO 14001:2015 for environmental management, and ISO 45001:2018 for occupational health and safety.
The anniversary celebration attracted prominent traditional rulers, aviation executives, government representatives, and business leaders.
Among the royal fathers were the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, Atoyebi II; the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe, Ajagbusi-Ekun VI; Oba Oluwaseun Oniyaomebi of Olorunsogo, Ijesaland; and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, was represented by his Special Adviser, Janet Oputa.
Other dignitaries included the Managing Director of Ibom Air, George Uriesi; General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of United Nigeria Airlines, Rapheal Uchegbu; and CITA Energies’ Managing Director, Titilayo Olaore.
Senior executives of CITA Energies, including Ajibola Olayinka, Director, Office of the Chairman; Temitayo Olaniyi Moses, Director of Finance; and Modupe Adegbenjo, Director of Corporate Governance and Distribution, also attended the event.
The celebration featured a documentary presentation highlighting the company’s achievements, cultural performances, interactive competitions, and awards recognising employees and individuals who contributed to its growth.
A special Hall of Fame initiative honoured personalities whose support and contributions helped shape the company’s development over the past two decades.
The elegantly decorated venue, illuminated by magnificent chandeliers and colourful stage lighting, came alive as Nigerian music star Teni the Entertainer delivered an electrifying performance that thrilled guests.
Ogungbangbe paid tribute to the company’s founding employees, successive management teams, customers, and business partners, describing their collective contributions as fundamental to its success.
He expressed confidence that CITA would continue expanding its aviation fuel infrastructure, strengthening operational standards, and exploring new opportunities in international markets.
For a company that began at a single airport with limited resources, its expansion to 17 airports represents a significant milestone in the development of indigenous aviation fuel marketing in Nigeria.
