CITA Energies CEO Reveals Journey From Living Room to Nearly $200m Aviation Fuel Empire

The Chairman of CITA Energies, Dr Thomas Ogungbangbe, has recounted how he built the indigenous aviation fuel supply company from a modest operation run from his living room and car boot into a business with facilities valued at nearly $200 million.

Ogungbangbe shared the story during the company’s 20th anniversary celebration held at the Grandeur Event Centre in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday.

According to the report, the company has expanded its operations to 17 airports across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, while its international aviation fuel supply network now spans several continents. 

Recalling the early days of the business, Ogungbangbe said the company initially operated from his living room, with important documents kept in his vehicle.

“CITA started right inside my living room and my car,” he said, describing the modest beginnings of the company.

He added that CITA had grown into what he described as the largest indigenous aviation fuel company by facilities in Nigeria and West Africa.

Ogungbangbe attributed the company’s growth to resilience, supportive government policies, strategic partnerships and the dedication of employees who helped the business navigate Nigeria’s challenging economic environment.

He explained that aviation fuel supply requires uninterrupted operations, including weekends and public holidays, because aircraft depend on consistent access to fuel.

“As long as aircraft are flying in the sky, you must be on the ground pumping fuel,” he said.

The CITA chairman also highlighted the role of changes in government petroleum policies in creating opportunities for indigenous businesses to enter an industry previously dominated by multinational oil companies.

Established in 2006, CITA emerged following Ogungbangbe’s involvement in an earlier aviation fuel business associated with what later became part of the Sahara Group. A documentary presented at the anniversary traced the company’s growth from its first operational base in Port Harcourt to a network of aviation fuel facilities across Nigeria. 

Ogungbangbe acknowledged the contributions of the company’s pioneering employees, successive management teams, customers and business partners, saying their commitment had been instrumental to its expansion.

He also recalled the difficult conditions faced by early employees, who sometimes worked under heavy rain and intense sunshine while establishing the business.

The anniversary celebration attracted prominent figures from the aviation industry and traditional institutions.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was represented at the event by his Special Adviser, Janet Oputa. Other attendees included Ibom Air Managing Director George Uriesi, United Nigeria Airlines General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Rapheal Uchegbu, and CITA Energies Managing Director Titilayo Olaore.

Several traditional rulers were also present, including the Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi; the Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesa, Oba Akeem Olusayo Ogungbangbe; the Oniyaomebi of Olorunsogo, Ijesaland, Oba Oluwaseun Oniyaomebi; and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi. 

The anniversary marked two decades of CITA Energies’ operations in Nigeria’s aviation fuel sector, highlighting its expansion from a small-scale venture into a company with a nationwide presence and international reach.