With expertise in operations optimization and cross-functional leadership, Mariah Lucciano-Gabriel, Head: Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy, drives revenue growth and champions innovative business strategies. She has emerged as a respected energy leader, and as such, is recognized as one of this year’s 20 Under 40 Energy Women Rising Stars.
Please provide a brief overview of your journey in the energy industry that led to your current role? What are some key achievements or milestones that you are particularly proud of?
With over 16 years of experience in the upstream oil and gas sector, my journey has been defined by a continuous pursuit of excellence, leadership, and impact across Africa’s energy landscape. Currently, I serve as Head of Integrated Gas Ventures at Asharami Energy, where I lead the strategic growth and commercialization of our midstream gas portfolio, unlocking value from Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves.
Throughout my career, I’ve successfully led complex asset acquisition deals across multiple African jurisdictions, negotiated critical commercial agreements ranging from Crude Handling and Offtake Agreements to Unitization Operating Agreements and provided strategic investment guidance at board level. One of my proudest milestones was seamlessly transitioning from a role in Risk and Investment Analysis to leading a business unit that positioned gas as a catalyst for sustainable energy transition in Nigeria.
The energy industry is known for its complexities. What were some significant challenges you faced along the way, and how did you navigate through them to achieve your goals?
One major challenge has been navigating the evolving and often opaque regulatory frameworks that govern oil and gas operations across African markets and attracting suitable investors to support our business growth and expansion plans vis-a-vis dealing with the challenges of operating within a politically and sometimes economically unstable climate. Successfully closing cross-border transactions required not just technical knowledge, but deep stakeholder engagement, cultural intelligence, and adaptive negotiation skills.
Another significant hurdle has been advocating for gender inclusion in traditionally male-dominated spaces. Rather than waiting for change, I chose to be part of it and co-founded the Women in Energy Network to create a platform for collaboration, mentorship, and visibility for women in the sector. Resilience, strategic networking, and a commitment to excellence have been key to navigating these complexities.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to excel in the energy sector? Are there any specific strategies or mindsets that helped you overcome obstacles and reach your current position?
My advice is simple but powerful: own your voice, embrace your expertise, and remain relentlessly curious. Don’t wait to be invited to the table, bring your own chair. In an industry as technical and dynamic as energy, continuous learning is non-negotiable, and confidence must be cultivated alongside competence. Strategically, building a strong network of mentors and allies, both male and female, helped me unlock opportunities and navigate difficult transitions. I also found that staying true to my values, even in high-stakes negotiations or boardroom settings, reinforced trust and long-term credibility.
A career in energy can be demanding. Could you describe a typical day in your life?
My days typically start early, usually with a high intensity work out program, then I drop my kids off at school because above everything else, I am a mother first. Then I head to the office where I review commercial briefs, market updates, or regulatory developments that may impact our gas operations. My mornings are usually dedicated to strategy sessions with cross functional teams ranging from technical and legal to finance and operations. Afternoons may include stakeholder engagements and partner meetings. I carve out time weekly for mentoring, staying engaged with industry networks, and contributing to advocacy initiatives particularly around gas policy and gender equity. Evenings are for catching up with family and friends while enjoying the odd glass of wine. I also go golfing or play Padel when I can manage it. It’s a full but fulfilling life.
Looking ahead, what changes or advancements do you hope to see in the energy sector? How do you envision your role in shaping that future?
I hope to see a more deliberate pivot toward gas as a transition fuel that is supported by coherent policies, deliberate infrastructure investment, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. The energy sector must also embrace diversity, not only of gender but of ideas, leadership styles, and approaches to sustainability. I see my role as both a business leader and a changemaker. Professionally, I intend to continue driving gas commercialization initiatives that align with Nigeria’s energy transition goals. Personally, I remain committed to shaping policy discourse, mentoring future leaders, and advocating for a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient energy ecosystem.
