New Africa regional board members announced

IBIA appointments

Momoh Jimah Oyarekhua, CEO of OMSA Integrated Services and Chairman of OPAC Refineries, and Abdelrahman Tharwat, Regional Supply Manager at Sing Fuels Pte Ltd (DMCC) have been appointed to the IBIA Africa Regional Board with unanimous acceptance.

Momoh Jimah Oyarekhua brings over two decades of experience in Nigeria’s oil and gas, petroleum products, bunker fuel, marine logistics and refining sectors. A graduate of Mechanical Engineering with executive training from Harvard Business School, he is CEO of OMSA Integrated Services and Chairman of OPAC Refineries, which launched the first modular refinery project in Kwale, Delta State. He has been a long-standing voice in Africa’s marine energy sector.

With more than 20 years of experience in the shipping and marine fuels industry across Egypt and the Middle East, Abdelrahman Tharwat has held senior roles at Delta Energy, Pan Marine Group, GP Global, Navig8 and Wilhelmsen Ship Services. Since 2023, he has served as Regional Supply Manager for Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent at Sing Fuels in Dubai. His performance has earned industry recognition, including Sing Fuels’ “Olympian of the Year” award in 2024.

Commenting on their appointments, Jon Hughes, Chair of the IBIA Africa Regional Board, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Momoh and Abdelrahman to the IBIA Africa Regional Board. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will further strengthen our ability to represent and support Africa’s diverse marine fuels industry. Their expertise will be invaluable as we continue to address regional challenges, while ensuring African perspectives are heard at the global level.”

Alexander Prokopakis, Executive Director of IBIA, added “IBIA’s strength lies in our global reach and regional presence. The addition of Momoh and Abdelrahman reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Africa’s marine fuels sector through representation, training and meaningful engagement. Their leadership will help IBIA deliver even greater value to our members in Africa and ensure that the region has a strong voice in shaping the future of our industry.”

Together with existing Board Members, they will contribute to strengthening the bunker and marine fuels industry in Africa, ensuring that regional challenges are addressed and global initiatives are successfully implemented.

The IBIA Africa Regional Board ensures African perspectives are represented within IBIA’s global governance and supports regional development, training and networking.

The Board helps members navigate global regulations while addressing local priorities, strengthening IBIA’s ability to serve the bunker and marine fuels industry across the continent.

PHOTO: Abdelrahman Tharwat and Momoh Jimah Oyarekhua have been appointed to the IBIA Africa Regional Board with unanimous acceptance.