Michael Ogunkola is a highly experienced Chartered Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor whose leadership in finance, risk management, and strategic operations has made a significant impact within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. With over 19 years of post-qualification experience spanning banking, consulting, and telecommunications, Ogunkola has established himself as a trusted expert in fostering governance, innovation, and operational efficiency.
Ogunkola’s professional journey formally began in 2006 when he became a Chartered Accountant, laying the foundation for a career marked by continuous growth and expertise. He honed the fundamentals of finance and accounting as an associate consultant at Foremost Consulting Associates, a leading consulting firm serving major sectors of the Nigerian economy, primarily banking and finance.
Five years later, he transitioned to the telecommunications sector, contributing to risk management, financial control, and corporate governance initiatives that helped his company rise to become the second-largest mobile telecommunications provider in Nigeria.
Later, Ogunkola joined a fresh entrant into Nigeria’s telecom industry, leading the Corporate Risk & Compliance team. He pioneered and developed a compliance function that catalysed the budding organisation’s regulatory adherence, financial discipline, and operational efficiency. In 2018, he assumed a leadership role that allowed him to shape financial governance and enhance strategic operations across the sector. By 2024, he was appointed Executive Lead for Finance Risk Management, Strategy, and Operations, taking on expanded responsibilities.
Currently, Ogunkola oversees financial controls and intelligence within one of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications firms. His role entails coordinating initiatives to strengthen financial oversight, ensure rigorous compliance with regulatory frameworks, and build a robust system of internal controls designed to reduce financial discrepancies and operational risks.
His qualifications reflect a deep expertise in finance and governance. Ogunkola has been a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) since 2018 and is an Associate Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (CIA). These credentials underpin his proficiency in audit, governance, fraud prevention, risk management, and information systems control—skills vital to navigating today’s complex corporate environment.
Beyond telecommunications, Ogunkola contributes to the broader financial sector as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of several notable companies. These include SMAT Concepts & Resources International, a financial advisory and investment firm managing assets worth over \$500 million; FSI Capital & Investment Limited, providing services such as forex trading and international bills payment; and Green Fillet Bureau De Change Limited, a Central Bank-licensed foreign exchange operator in Nigeria. His involvement highlights his dedication to strengthening financial governance across industries.
Reflecting on his career philosophy, Ogunkola says, “Financial transformation is more than just talking about numbers. It is about building internal systems that are resilient, transparent, and aligned with an entity’s long-term objectives while supporting Nigeria’s broader economic goals and positively impacting communities.” His leadership emphasises integrity, transparency, and accountability, which he regards as the cornerstones of sound financial management.
As Nigeria’s telecommunications industry confronts increasing competition and rapid technological advancements, Michael Ogunkola’s strategic leadership in finance, risk management and governance positions his organisation not only as an industry leader but also as a key contributor to sustainable economic growth and national development.
