By Damilola Fatunmise
In the oil and gas industry, where operational efficiency and innovation define success, Abbey Ngochindo stands as a beacon of expertise and transformative leadership.
With a career spanning over 15 years, Abbey has carved a niche as a supply chain expert, seamlessly blending practical industry solutions with cutting-edge research. In a recent conversation, Abbey opened up about his career, research pursuits, and vision for the future of supply chain management.
Abbey, your research contributions are significant. How have they shaped your perspective on supply chains?
Research has always been integral to my career. One of my recent papers, ‘AI-Powered Customer Experience Optimization,’ explores how artificial intelligence can enhance customer engagement, even in underserved communities. While the study focuses on financial inclusion, its principles are applicable to supply chains. It’s all about leveraging data-driven insights to anticipate and meet customer needs proactively.
Another publication I’m particularly proud of is on ‘Blockchain for Sustainable Supply Chains.’ This research highlights how distributed ledger technologies can promote transparency and efficiency in supply chains—key challenges in the oil and gas sector. These studies reinforce my belief that technology is the backbone of modern supply chains, enabling us to meet demands efficiently while ensuring sustainability.
At NGOBENCO Petroleum, you’ve led several transformative projects. What stands out as a defining moment?
There have been many rewarding moments, but one project that stands out is the integration of a unified supply chain management system at NGOBENCO. The oil and gas industry operates with razor-thin margins, and inefficiencies can be costly. By implementing this system, we improved order fulfillment rates by 20% and significantly reduced operational bottlenecks.
Beyond the technical aspects, this project underscored the importance of collaboration. It wasn’t just about introducing new technology but also about fostering a culture where every team member—from depot operators to senior executives—understood their role in achieving our goals. It’s moments like these that reaffirm why I’m passionate about what I do.
Technology plays a pivotal role in your career. How do you see it shaping the future of supply chains?
Technology is no longer optional; it’s the engine driving supply chain transformation. Generative AI, blockchain, and IoT are some of the tools that are redefining how we manage logistics, inventory, and vendor relationships. At NGOBENCO, we’ve utilized AI-powered analytics to identify inefficiencies in our transportation systems, leading to a 35% reduction in delays.
Blockchain is another game-changer. It ensures transparency and security, which are vital in an industry like ours that deals with high-value commodities. The key is not just adopting these technologies but embedding them into a broader strategy that aligns with your business objectives.
Your early career at Oando Plc and NNPC set the foundation for your success. What lessons did you take away from those experiences?
My time at Oando Plc and NNPC was transformative. During my internship, I worked on a digital filing and archiving system, which reduced turnaround times for change proposals by 30%. This experience taught me the power of process optimization—a lesson that continues to guide me.
Another pivotal moment was during my graduate trainee program, where I developed a three-way communication system for depot operators, transporters, and retail outlets. It was a simple yet effective solution that significantly enhanced coordination. These early lessons taught me that small innovations can lead to significant results when applied strategically.
Mentorship appears to be a core aspect of your leadership style. Why is this so important to you?
Mentorship is about building the next generation of leaders. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who guided me early in my career, and I see it as my responsibility to pay that forward. At NGOBENCO, I prioritize team development, encouraging my colleagues to embrace new technologies and refine their skills.
This isn’t just good for the individual—it’s good for the organization. A well-trained, motivated team is more likely to innovate and adapt to challenges, which is essential in a fast-paced industry like ours. Mentorship is a long-term investment that pays dividends in organizational success.
Your publications often bridge academia and industry. How do you maintain this balance?
It’s about staying curious and committed to learning. My roles on editorial boards and as a peer reviewer keep me engaged with the latest research, which often inspires practical applications in my work. For example, my research on ‘Technological Innovations in Supply Chains’ has directly influenced some of the digital strategies we’ve adopted at NGOBENCO.
I see research and industry practice as two sides of the same coin. By staying active in both, I can contribute to advancing knowledge while ensuring that my strategies are grounded in the latest insights.
What advice would you give to young professionals looking to excel in supply chain management?
Stay adaptable and never stop learning. The supply chain field is evolving rapidly, and the skills that are valuable today may not be enough tomorrow. Invest in learning technologies like AI and blockchain, but don’t neglect soft skills like negotiation and leadership—they’re equally important.
Most importantly, approach every challenge as an opportunity to innovate. The problems you solve today are what will set you apart tomorrow. And remember, success is not just about individual achievements; it’s about contributing to the success of your team and organization.
Abbey Ngochindo: Bridging Innovation and Leadership
Abbey Ngochindo is more than a supply chain expert—he’s a visionary leader and innovator. Through his transformative projects, research contributions, and commitment to mentorship, Abbey continues to set benchmarks in the oil and gas industry. His journey is a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.