Seplat Energy Plc, a leading independent energy company in Nigeria, has achieved a major milestone by receiving the Procurement Excellence Standard Certificate from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). This global recognition highlights Seplat’s dedication to transparency, operational efficiency, and industry-leading supply chain practices.

The official award presentation took place on June 5, 2025, at Seplat’s corporate headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos. Ben Farrell, Global CEO of CIPS, personally presented the certificate to Seplat’s leadership team, which included Chief Operating Officer (COO) Samson Ezugworie and General Manager, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Valentine Agwu.

A Two-Year Journey of Transformation and Excellence

Seplat began its journey towards CIPS certification in February 2023 when it applied to undergo an extensive assessment under the CIPS Procurement Excellence Programme (PEP). The evaluation process involved an in-depth review of Seplat’s procurement systems, policies, and operational structure based on 98 criteria across five key dimensions:

• Leadership and Organisation

• Processes and Systems

• Strategy and Policy

• Performance Management

• People

The final stage of the assessment was completed on January 21, 2025, when a CIPS Advantage Independent Verifier conducted the concluding review. Just a day later, on January 22, CIPS officially announced that Seplat Energy had met the rigorous standards required for the award.

Prestigious Award for Outstanding Standards

At the presentation ceremony, Ben Farrell praised Seplat’s exceptional achievement, stressing that the certificate is awarded only to organizations that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to improvement, innovation, and global best practices.

Farrell stated:

“These certificates are not handed out easily. They represent a serious and meaningful recognition of ambition, discipline, and professionalism. This award reflects your capability and your commitment to excellence. Congratulations to everyone at Seplat.”

Seplat Leadership Commends SCM Team

In response, Samson Ezugworie, Seplat’s COO, expressed deep appreciation to CIPS for guiding the company through a rigorous and transformative process. He emphasized that the company made a conscious decision to prioritize procurement excellence, knowing that supply chain operations are at the core of its business success.

He said:

“At Seplat, we recognize that supply chain is the backbone of our operations. It controls how we spend and governs our financial integrity. Going through this CIPS process helped ensure that our procurement systems rest on a foundation of transparency, accountability, and global standards.”

Ezugworie commended the SCM team, led by Valentine Agwu, for their outstanding work and challenged them to aim even higher by working towards the Platinum Category—the highest tier in the CIPS certification system. He noted that future progress should focus on sustainability and continuous improvement.

Seplat’s SCM Transformation: Built on People, Process, and Systems

Reflecting on the company’s transformation journey, Valentine Agwu, General Manager of SCM, explained that Seplat initially began revamping its supply chain structure in 2021, focusing on three pillars: process, people, and systems. As the journey progressed, the team adopted the CIPS Procurement Excellence Model to guide the transformation.

Agwu stated:

“The assessment spanned two years and covered every aspect of our operations—from leadership and policy to systems and performance. We are proud to say that we met all requirements with excellence. This recognition is a testament to the resilience and commitment of our team.”

The assessment confirmed that Seplat has developed a solid governance structure and adopted best practices that ensure supply chain compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency. These improvements stemmed from years of investment in people, technology, and streamlined processes.

A Historic Milestone for Nigeria and Africa

With this achievement, Seplat Energy becomes the first Nigerian company and only the second oil and gas company in Africa to earn the CIPS Procurement Excellence Standard Certificate. This landmark accomplishment positions Seplat as a leader in procurement governance and supply chain integrity, not only within Nigeria but across the continent.

The recognition reinforces Seplat’s reputation as a company that operates with transparency, rigor, and a relentless drive for excellence. It also sets a benchmark for other organizations in the energy sector and beyond, encouraging them to pursue globally recognized standards.

Eyes on the Future: Striving for Platinum and Sustainability

Looking ahead, Seplat has made it clear that this is just the beginning. The company aims to achieve the Platinum Category of the CIPS Procurement Excellence Standard, the highest recognition possible. This next phase will involve deeper integration of sustainable practices into the company’s procurement systems and a continuous focus on improvement.

This award solidifies Seplat Energy’s standing as a company that not only meets global expectations but also raises the bar for procurement excellence in Nigeria and across Africa.