13 companies owned by Nigerian shipping tycoon Victor Odili

Key Points

• Victor Odili owns a 5.08% stake in MTN Nigeria, valued at $179.25 million, making him one of the top investors in the country’s telecom sector.
• He chairs Aeromaritime Group, a conglomerate with subsidiaries in shipping, oil and gas, and logistics, reinforcing his dominance in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
• His investments extend to real estate, energy, and philanthropy, demonstrating a diversified business strategy that drives economic growth and job creation in Nigeria.

Victor Odili has built one of Nigeria’s most diversified business empires, with stakes in industries that power the nation’s economy—from shipping and oil services to telecommunications and real estate. Over the years, his investments have positioned him as a quiet force in Nigeria’s corporate world, with ownership in some of the country’s most essential industries.

Odili’s influence in the maritime sector runs deep. As the chairman and executive director of Aeromaritime Group, he oversees a conglomerate with interests in shipping, stevedoring, oil and gas, and logistics. His leadership of Brawal Shipping Nigeria, now a unit of Aeromaritime, solidified his presence in an industry crucial to Africa’s trade and economic development.

But his reach extends far beyond the seas. Odili is also one of the biggest private investors in Nigeria’s telecom industry, holding a 5.08 percent stake in MTN Nigeria. That investment alone is worth nearly $180 million), placing him among the wealthiest shareholders on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). His strategic patience in the telecom space, spanning nearly two decades, has paid off significantly as MTN Nigeria continues to expand its dominance in the sector.

A graduate of Croydon Technical College and the London School of Economics, Odili’s career has taken him from Lonhro Limited in London to Beirut and back to Nigeria, where he carved out a name for himself in the private sector. His business interests now span multiple sectors, including energy, finance, and real estate, reflecting his ability to spot opportunities in high-growth industries.

As one of Nigeria’s most influential investors, Odili continues to shape the country’s business landscape. Below, Billionaires.Africa takes a closer look at 10 companies under his vast business empire, exploring their operations, market impact, and contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth.

1. Brawal Shipping Nigeria Limited

Brawal Shipping Nigeria, a cornerstone of Victor Odili’s Aeromaritime Group, has been a key player in Nigeria’s shipping and logistics industry since 1981. Headquartered in Lagos, the company specializes in cargo transportation, shipping agency services, and freight solutions that support the nation’s import-export sector. As chairman, Odili led Brawal Shipping through tough times, including a prolonged rent dispute with the Nigerian Ports Authority, while maintaining its reputation for reliable shipping and stevedoring services. Today, Brawal Shipping remains a vital part of Aeromaritime Group’s operations, which span shipping, stevedoring, and the oil and gas sectors.

2. MTN Nigeria

MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom operator, connects millions through its extensive mobile, data, and financial services network. Headquartered in Lagos, the company has issued over 20 billion shares, reinforcing its dominant market position. Among its major investors is Victor Odili, a seasoned shipping magnate and chairman of Aeromaritime Group. Through his investment firms—Hermitage Overseas Corporation and Hermitage Eko Investments Ltd—Odili holds a 5.08 percent stake in MTN Nigeria, comprising a 4.32 percent share via Hermitage Overseas and 0.62 percent through Hermitage Eko. As of Feb. 27, 2025, his total holdings are valued at nearly $180 million.

3. Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited

Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited (MESL) is a leading force in Nigeria’s energy sector, focusing on power generation and distribution. As a board member, Victor Odili has played a role in expanding MESL’s reach and impact. In 2021, its subsidiary, Quest Electricity Nigeria Ltd., acquired a 60 percent stake in Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), strengthening MESL’s commitment to improving electricity access in northeastern Nigeria. In partnership with the Northeast Development Commission, MESL has invested in training programs to enhance YEDC’s efficiency. The company continues to explore renewable energy integration and optimize power distribution nationwide.

4. Aeromaritime Group

Victor Odili is the chairman and executive director of Aeromaritime Group, a diversified conglomerate with more than eight member companies operating in Nigeria’s shipping, stevedoring, and oil & gas sectors. With a background from Croydon Technical College and the London School of Economics, as well as professional experience at Lonhro Limited in London and Beirut, Odili has used his global expertise to drive growth in Nigeria’s maritime and energy industries. His leadership has solidified Aeromaritime Group’s standing as a key player in the country’s economic landscape.

5. Hermitage Overseas Corporation

Hermitage Overseas Corporation, an offshore investment entity controlled by Victor Odili, is central to his holdings in MTN Nigeria. This firm plays a strategic role in managing and consolidating his telecom investments, reinforcing his influence in Nigeria’s corporate landscape. Through Hermitage Overseas, Odili maintains a strong presence in the telecommunications sector while diversifying his broader business interests.

6. Hermitage Eko Investments Limited

Hermitage Eko Investments Limited, based in Lagos, is another key investment vehicle for Victor Odili. Established in 2014, it manages his strategic equity interests, particularly in MTN Nigeria. The firm plays a vital role in strengthening his presence in the telecom and financial sectors, contributing to his broader investment portfolio.

7. Delta Energy Limited

Delta Energy Limited is an emerging player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with a focus on upstream exploration and midstream production. The company prioritizes sustainability and operational efficiency, forming strategic partnerships with global energy firms to boost its production capacity. By leveraging technology and responsible resource extraction, Delta Energy contributes to Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape.

8. Odili Estate Limited

Odili Estate Limited is a Nigerian real estate developer known for high-quality residential and commercial projects. The company has developed premium housing estates, modern office complexes, and stylish shopping centers that enhance urban landscapes. With a focus on superior construction, sustainable design, and state-of-the-art amenities, Odili Estate Limited attracts both local and international investors, playing a key role in Nigeria’s urban development and economic growth.

9. Victor Odili Investments Limited

Victor Odili Investments Limited serves as the investment arm of Nigerian shipping tycoon Victor Odili, channeling his business expertise into a diversified portfolio. As chairman of Aeromaritime Group, Odili uses this vehicle to pursue high-growth opportunities in telecommunications and energy. His strategic investments not only drive business expansion but also create jobs and long-term value in Nigeria’s economy. His stake in MTN Nigeria is a prime example of his forward-thinking approach.

10. Odili Shipping Agency Limited

Under Victor Odili’s leadership, Odili Shipping Agency Limited has become a trusted name in shipping and logistics. A key part of Aeromaritime Group, the agency provides end-to-end cargo management, customs clearance, and documentation processing. Its expertise in supply chain management and regulatory compliance simplifies global trade for businesses engaged in import and export operations.

11. Delta Logistics Limited

Delta Logistics Limited, based in Lagos, is a leading supply chain management firm providing warehousing, transportation, and distribution services. The company utilizes advanced technology and strategic partnerships to optimize Nigeria’s logistics infrastructure. Serving industries such as retail, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and oil & gas, Delta Logistics enhances trade efficiency while minimizing transportation costs.

12. Odili Properties Limited

Odili Properties Limited is a prominent real estate company specializing in commercial and residential property development. Headquartered in Port Harcourt, the firm has built a reputation for delivering high-quality living and business spaces that contribute to urban transformation. With a keen eye for strategic investments and strong property management, Odili Properties Limited generates long-term value while complementing the broader business interests of the Odili family.

13. Victor Odili Foundation

The Victor Odili Foundation is dedicated to education, healthcare, and community development in Nigeria. Its initiatives include funding school construction, providing scholarships for underprivileged students, and equipping hospitals with essential medical supplies. The foundation plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable development, particularly in the Niger Delta region. Through these efforts, Victor Odili channels his business success into meaningful contributions that uplift communities and create lasting change.