Businesswoman Aisha Achimugu says her wealth and business success did not come from political influence, but from years of consistent private sector work and long-term investment.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Monday, Achimugu explained that her business journey began in 2001, and since then she has built and expanded ventures across different sectors, with a strong focus on oil and gas.
According to her, her progress has been gradual and rooted in persistence rather than sudden or politically driven opportunities.
“I started my business journey in 2001. Everything I have today has come from years of work, investment, and staying active in the private sector,” she said.
Achimugu came into wider public attention in January 2024 after hosting her 50th birthday celebration in Grenada, a week-long event that attracted several Nigerian entertainers and high-profile personalities.
The attendance of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the celebration generated public debate at the time, given the prominence of guests at the event.
More than a year later, Achimugu’s profile came under renewed scrutiny after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) declared her wanted over allegations linked to money laundering, drawing attention back to her business dealings and sources of wealth.
Responding to questions about her oil and gas interests, she said her company, Oceangate Engineering Oil & Gas Ltd, legitimately acquired an oil block through a competitive bidding process organised by the Federal Government.
She maintained that the process was transparent and followed due procedure.
On her relationship with Governor Sanwo-Olu and his presence at her birthday event, Achimugu said her access to influential figures is a reflection of her work and social network, not political alignment.
“I have always had access to people in governance and leadership because of what I have built over the years. I have done well in my space, and I have friends across different levels,” she said.
She added that the governor’s attendance at her event was not unusual, noting that he was in the same location at the time and simply joined others in the celebration.
“It wasn’t anything extraordinary. If people are around and decide to celebrate with you, it is just normal social interaction,” she said.
