Where are you from, and where do you go to school?

My name is Justus Ilogbelu. I am from Nigeria. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Lagos, both in Nigeria.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?

I find great fun in travelling, locally and internationally. It’s simply a great delight for me.

Where do you work, or what are you studying in school?

I work with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, the state’s oil company. I joined the company in 2007. Since then, I have been involved in different projects (pipelines and tank rehabilitations) across Nigeria to deliver value to the company. In my career, I have moved from engineering to commercial and lately to supply chain, all aimed at deepening knowledge and being grounded across the value chains in which the company plays.

What do you love most about your job or current school studies?

I work functionally as the Lead Bulk Materials/Petroleum Products Contract Category Manager in the company’s SCM division. I am excited about the job because it allows me to get a feel for SCM functions, especially product categorization using the SAP platform and tools.

Do you have a project story to share?

Between 2012 and 2015, in Nigeria, I was involved in a project, the “cleaning and rehabilitation of NNPC crude oil tanks” in the Escravos Terminal using the non-man entry process.” I was the lead/site engineer. The key highlight of the project for me was the change in project scope and strategy of a significant phase of the contract from “desludging to recover usable oil” to tank cleaning when the original strategy couldn’t deliver on the baseline scope, almost resulting in the termination of the contract.

What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? Did someone inspire you to be on this career path?

I want to streamline my career to align with project management and costing. My mentor was instrumental in influencing my attention to cost engineering and the pursuit of AACE certification.

What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome? What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career?

My biggest career challenge is transitioning from an engineering background to a commercial one and then to a supply chain one. It’s never easy to move out of one’s comfort zone.

Why did you join AACE?

I joined AACE to streamline my career path to project management and costing. This is the trajectory I would love my career to take moving forward.

What do you like most about being an AACE member?

Being a member of AACE is very exciting. It’s a community of like-minded professionals. The materials, especially the RP’s, are very useful and educational. I cherish the support I get from members when I am unsure and seek help.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the field?

I would gladly recommend AACE membership to anyone seeking to enter or grow in the cost engineering field.