Business Enquirer Issue 108 | Rainoil | Nov'22

Fuelling an Inspiring Journey

Fuelling an Inspiring Journey

Jude Nwaulune, Chief Operating Officer, Rainiul

Rainoil

Rainoil’s operations span across the downstream value chain, from retail sales to bulk storage, and logistics distribution. In 1997, the business also incorporated itself as a petroleum products marketing company.

With eight years’ experience across the business, Jude Nwaulune has developed his role within Rainoil as the business has grown. He discusses with Business Enquirer Rainoil’s business along with his own journey to success.

Always Moving

Despite its 25 years in industry, Rainoil is continually developing its offering to its customers, having launched its latest strand, liquified petroleum gas, in 2020.

Rainoil currently has over 150 retail outlets across Nigeria. “As part of our growth strategy, I envisage

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in June 2022, Rainoil Ltd is Nigeria’s fastest growing integrated down stream company.

we will open stations in other states across the country where we’re currently not present,” said COO Jude Nwaulune.

The Nigerian fuel giant also has considerable storage capacity - in excess of 150 million litres across its three depots.

In line with the Nigerian government’s strategy to make gas the preferred fuel in the country, in 2020, Rainoil launched its own LPG business - Rainoil Gas.

Adding to Rainoil’s repertoire is its logistics arm, operating a fleet of over 80 tank trucks and 40 LPG trucks.

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“The logistics business provides product haulage services for efficient delivery of products to our network of stations and customers across the country,” explained Jude, “This is frequently renewed through a deliberate truck acquisition policy to ensure a healthy fleet”.

In its 25 years the business has seen considerable growth, now employing over 2000 people and with a fleet of 300 trucks on the road.

Humble Beginnings

If you’re looking for a story of inspirational career development, look no further than Jude Nwaulune.

Jude joined the business in 2014 as the personal assistant to Founder and Group Managing Director, Dr Gabriel Ogbechie, someone who Jude described as a “visionary leader and an encyclopaedia of knowledge”

“I would describe my start in the business as humble,” shared Jude, “I was brought into the business by Dr Gabriel to help organise the business, and I really believed in his vision”.

Over the next eight years, Jude took on a variety of roles, gaining a deep and diverse experience of the business. His first move was to manage one of Rainoil’s stations, which he helped to achieve the title of most profitable station of that year.

He continued into roles as an Area Manager (for the southwest region) and Regional Manager, gaining experience in business efficiency, expansion and profitability.

Following roles as Retail Sales Manager and then LPG Manager, Jude managed one of Rainoil’s depots.

“It’s in this role I employed my experience in efficiency as well as dedication to deliver value,” he said, “during my time, the depot became the fastest growing depot with a 24-hour turnaround from

order to delivery”.

Jude credits being promoted from PA to COO within a period of eight years to his commitment, dedication, and hard work.

“I think to succeed, particularly in our country, it’s important to go the extra mile,” Jude shared, a man who professes to working round the clock. Having said that, he understands the importance of a healthy work-life balance, valuing his wife and four children.

With an express love of reading, Jude is passionate about constantly developing his knowledge for the industry and business.

“I like to absorb as much as possible and I think

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it’s important to have an open mind to both learn and relearn,” he said, “as a leader, one thing people want to gain from you is knowledge and wisdom. Fortunately for me, I am mentored by my boss, Dr Gabriel, while I like to mentor others - it’s important to share knowledge and solutions”.

Meeting the demands

A business which is clearly experienced in developing with the times, what’s next for Rainoil?

“Both a challenge and an opportunity for us is meeting the requirements of the energy transition,” Jude explained.

In the next 12-18 months, Rainoil and its management team will look to reinvent its business model to suit the demands of cleaner energy consumption.

“We have plans to aggressively expand into the LPG market, increasing the available capacity for our country. I think with the current geo-political climate, it’s important now more than ever to

become as self-reliant as possible,” said Jude.

Facing the Challenges

Migration has been steadily increasing over the last few decades, with recent data from the UN stating that international migrants comprised 3.5% of the globe’s population in 20191

A keen reader and learner, Jude is well aware of the data, sharing that Nigeria’s migration is under 2%, with a lot of millennials and Gen Z travelling to other countries for education.

“In my opinion, it’s important to be aware and abreast of information like this,” he explained, “recruitment can be a challenge due to the prevalence of migration. This is why we have developed a staff retention strategy, as well as giving employees training opportunities,”.

Currently, Rainoil is undergoing its ISO Certification in quality management, and taking steps to meet net zero goals.

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