When it comes to Nigeria’s oil sector, the name AA Rano stands out. Alhaji Auwal Abdullahi Rano’s rise from humble beginnings to leading a multi-billion dollar company as founder and CEO of AA Rano Nigeria Limited demonstrates the power of hard work and perseverance.
Born on February 7, 1974 in Rausu town, Kano state, the entrepreneur started out selling ice blocks, groundnut oil and other local produce before venturing into the sale and distribution of petroleum products on a small scale in 1994.
As a young entrepreneur with big dreams, he wanted to become a leader in the downstream sector of Nigeria's oil industry and position himself for steady growth in this challenging sector.
Rano's dedication and business skills soon bore fruit. By 1996, just two years after starting his oil business, he opened his first retail store in Kano. This early success indicated he was on the path to greatness. In 2002, he officially registered his company, A. A Rano Nigeria Limited, demonstrating his serious commitment to the industry.
Also read: Women in energy, oil and gas advocate for inclusion in economic growth
Under Rano's leadership, the company has expanded rapidly. What started as an oil distributor with no fleet of its own has grown into a behemoth. The company now has more than 600 trucks, a 56 million liter tank farm in Lagos, 120 retail stores and gas stations across the country, an LPG terminal, and a recently acquired vessel, the MT LAUSAU. This impressive growth highlights Rano's ability to spot opportunities and act quickly.
Rano's business ventures go beyond oil sales. His companies include AA Rano Terminals, AA Rano Road Haulage, Rano Lubricants, Rano Air, Raus Marine and Logistics, Rano Gas and a state-of-the-art Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) terminal. Rano has also invested in a rice milling company, demonstrating his ability to succeed across industries.
Rano's operations are not only a testament to his business skills but also his vision for the growth of the industry as a whole. The Rano Gas LPG terminal is particularly significant as it supports Nigeria's energy sector by providing a cleaner fuel alternative. His investments in logistics, air transport and rice milling reflect a smart approach to addressing Nigeria's various economic needs.
The oil tycoon also gave back to society by founding the AA Rano Foundation, a non-governmental, non-profit organisation that carries out community development projects in areas such as health, education, water supply and youth and women empowerment initiatives.
Rano’s journey shows that with determination, smart thinking and a commitment to excellence, great success is possible. He started on a small scale selling groundnut oil and ice blocks, and built a multi-billion dollar company, inspiring many aspiring entrepreneurs in Nigeria and abroad.
