Founder Biography
Dr. Ombo Ferguson Isokrari Ph.D
Founder, Duncan Investment
Limited (FNSE, FNSCHE, FPIN, MSPE)
Dr. Ombo Ferguson Isokrari was an astute geologist, renowned petroleum engineer, accomplished
industrialist, and visionary administrator whose legacy continues to shape Duncan Investment
Limited. Born on March 7, 1944, in Buguma, Rivers State, he combined deep academic excellence
with international experience and patriotic service to become one of Nigeria’s most respected
energy and industrial leaders. Dr. Isokrari held a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the
University of Texas, a Master’s in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Oklahoma, and a
Bachelor’s in Geology from the University of Illinois, USA. His academic focus on oil, gas,
refining, and petrochemicals laid the foundation for his lifelong impact on Nigeria’s energy
sector. Between 1972 and 1982, he worked internationally in the United States with major
institutions and companies including Halliburton, Standard Oil (Amoco), Core Laboratories, and
the U.S. Energy Research and Development Agency, gaining global exposure in petroleum research
and engineering consultancy. He returned to Nigeria in 1979 and joined the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), serving as Head of Petroleum Engineering and Petroleum Chemistry
Laboratories, before being appointed by the Federal Government in 1982 as the Project Engineer
and pioneer Project Manager of the National Fertilizer Company of Nigeria (NAFCON)—the country’s
first gas-based nitrogen fertilizer plant. He later became Deputy Managing Director of NAFCON
(1985–1991) and subsequently its first indigenous Managing Director and CEO (1991–1996). Under
his leadership, NAFCON achieved over 105% production capacity utilization, became an industry
benchmark, and left a positive cash flow balance of ₦5.4 billion. His tenure attracted global
recognition, including the M.W. Kellogg Award for best-managed fertilizer plant worldwide.
Following his tenure at NAFCON, Dr. Isokrari founded Duncan Investment Limited in 1989,
transforming it into a forward-looking energy investment company focused on refining,
petrochemicals, methanol, LPG, and ammonia-urea. He also served as Chairman/CEO of multiple
companies including Moris Petroleum, Garo Nigeria Ltd, and Industrial Expertise Ltd,
contributing to upstream and downstream oil and gas, marine services, and EPC consulting. Dr.
Isokrari was a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Society of Chemical Engineers, and
Polymer Institute of Nigeria, and served as Pro-Chancellor of the Rivers State University of
Science and Technology, and Chairman of the Cross River Basin Development Authority. A founding
member and Board of Trustees member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), he was also a
respected voice in national development, policy, and governance. His vision, discipline, and
technical excellence remain central to the mission and culture of Duncan Investment Limited.
