Arthur Eze is a Nigerian billionaire, businessman, oil magnate, politician, and philanthropist. With his wit, he created an international energy firm called Atlas Oranto Petroleum, one of Nigeria’s largest privately-held exploration and production enterprises.
The business mogul hails from a royal family in Ukpo, Dunukofia local government area of Anambra State.
After his secondary education, he attended California State University, Long Beach, from 1974 to 1978. There, he graduated with a degree in chemical and mechanical engineering.
His $6 billion petroleum empire – Atlas Oranto Petroleum
Arthur Eze’s petroleum empire comprises Atlas Petroleum International Limited and Oranto Petroleum International Limited. His foray into the oil and gas industry was possible through a contact established by his elder brother, Dr. Walter Eze who was the first military medical doctor in Nigeria. To this day, Arthur Eze still worships his brother even in death.
In 1991, Arthur Eze founded Atlas Petroleum International, then Oranto Petroleum in 1993.
Currently, the corporation holds 22 oil and gas licenses in 12 African countries, such as Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Liberia, and many Atlas Oranto-operated blocks are among its holdings, making the company one of Africa’s largest oil exploration block owners.
The companies have regional offices and representatives in key investment areas across West Africa, with its technical base in Lagos and headquarters in Abuja.
The corporation chose Abuja as its headquarters because of its strategic position in relation to African policymakers.
The Eze family owns the firm’s equity, and all the stockholders are actively involved in the company’s operations.