Photo: Blessing Ayemhere. ThisDay
JEX Markets Limited, Nigeria’s energy commodities exchange and market infrastructure company, has appointed Blessing Ayemhere as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, subject to the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Ayemhere, who is expected to formally assume office on 3 January 2026, will lead the company’s efforts to build a transparent, liquid, and globally competitive marketplace for natural gas and other energy products in Nigeria. In his new role, Ayemhere will work closely with the Board, regulators, market participants, and infrastructure partners to launch trading, deepen market liquidity, enhance integrity, and drive innovation across the JEX ecosystem.
Ayemhere brings over 20 years of senior-level experience in energy markets, infrastructure development, finance, and corporate leadership. Prior to his appointment, he held executive positions at Energia Energies Limited and Umugini Pipeline Infrastructure Limited, where he led large-scale operations and strategic growth initiatives. He holds a doctorate from Swiss Business School, Switzerland, and a master’s in strategic planning from Edinburgh Business School, Heriot-Watt University, Scotland, along with several advanced professional qualifications.
Commenting on the appointment, Chairman of JEX Markets, Oscar Onyema, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ayemhere to JEX Markets at this critical phase of our journey. His experience and proven leadership will strengthen our capacity to build a world-class energy marketplace that supports Nigeria’s energy transition and industrial growth.”
Ayemhere, on his part, expressed his excitement, saying, “I am honoured by the confidence reposed in me by the Board of JEX Markets Limited. My priority will be to build a strong team, deploy robust market infrastructure, develop innovative products, and ensure that JEX delivers long-term value to market participants and the Nigerian economy.”
JEX Markets’ Board includes Oscar Onyema, Fatima Bello-Ismail, Charles Nwankwo, Anuoluwa Olajide, Abba Ibrahim, and Albert Achegbulu, with Hadiza Yusuf-Coomassie as Company Secretary.
