Sahara Group has appointed seasoned energy executive Folake Soetan as the Managing Director of Arahass Global Oilfield Services, marking a strategic leadership move as the company seeks to deepen its presence across Africa’s oilfield services and energy value chain.
Soetan assumes the role after more than six years as Chief Executive Officer of Ikeja Electric, where she led one of Nigeria’s largest electricity distribution companies through a period of operational transformation, network improvements, and commercial reforms. She stepped down from the position in June 2026 after previously serving as the company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Commercial Officer.
Rich Energy Sector Experience
Her appointment brings more than two decades of leadership experience spanning the downstream oil and gas, power, aviation, and commercial sectors.
Before joining Ikeja Electric, Soetan held several senior leadership positions within Sahara Group, including Vice President, Downstream West Africa, where she led the turnaround of the group’s Ghanaian downstream business. She also served as Head of Sales and Marketing, overseeing the transformation and rebranding of the company’s aviation, air, and land fuels business.
Earlier in her career, Soetan spent nearly five years at Virgin Nigeria Airways, rising through several commercial leadership positions, including Sales Account Manager, Regional Sales Manager, National Sales Manager, and Head of Sales.
In addition to her new executive responsibilities, Soetan continues to serve as a Non-Executive Director for Distribution at the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), a role she has held since March 2025.
Educational Background
A finance graduate of the University of Lagos, Soetan also completed the Advanced Management Programme in Organizational Leadership at Harvard Business School Executive Education.
Her appointment comes as Arahass Global Oilfield Services strengthens its leadership team to support growth ambitions across Africa’s evolving energy landscape.
