About Me

A Trusted Name in Public Infrastructure and Procurement

“At Thane International, our mission has always been to execute projects that outlast the builder, empower institutions, and serve people with dignity.
In every procurement process, in every facility we maintain, and in every structure we build, we see public trust. That trust is our most valuable asset.
As we continue to strengthen Nigeria’s infrastructure and governance capacity, our commitment remains to deliver excellence that is transparent, responsible, and transformative.”

— Gbolahan Awolaru
Chief Executive Officer, Thane International Services Ltd

Gbolahan Awolaru

CORE ETHOS

Gbolahan Awolaru’s work is guided by principles that define every project he leads—unwavering transparency, efficient procurement, and infrastructure built to inspire long-term trust. These values shape his approach to governance, delivery, and public service.

Transparency in project execution

Every project is delivered with clarity, accountability, and strict adherence to due process. Gbolahan Awolaru ensures that each phase—from planning to delivery—meets the highest standards of openness and public-sector compliance.

Procurement as a tool for efficiency

He views procurement not as an administrative hurdle, but as a strategic engine for productivity. By aligning systems with global best practices, he ensures that public resources are used responsibly and that every contract delivers measurable value.

Infrastructure as a legacy of trust

Beyond structures and facilities, he believes infrastructure should strengthen institutions and improve people’s lives. Each project is designed to endure, build confidence, and leave a lasting impact on governance and service delivery.

INSIGHTS

Thought Leadership

Mr. Awolaru is a respected voice on procurement reform, infrastructure governance, and facilities optimization. He has played various critical roles at local and international industry conferences, including:

Offshore Technology Conference (Houston, USA)

A leading global gathering for energy, engineering, and offshore infrastructure experts. Mr. Awolaru’s participation reflects his engagement with international best practices in project delivery, risk management, and large-scale infrastructure systems that support national development.

Nigeria Oil & Gas Conference (Abuja)

Nigeria’s flagship industry event bringing together policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders. His contributions here highlight his commitment to improving procurement transparency, optimizing public-sector infrastructure, and strengthening governance frameworks within the nation’s most critical economic sector.

SPE Offshore Europe (Scotland)

One of Europe’s foremost platforms for discussing offshore engineering, energy technology, and operational excellence. His involvement underscores his interest in global standards, efficient contracting processes, and cross-sector collaboration in complex project environments.

Turkey Build (Istanbul)

A major international expo for construction, engineering, and infrastructure innovation. Participation in this event reflects his dedication to exploring new technologies, sustainable construction methods, and emerging procurement models that enhance the durability and efficiency of public-sector projects.

Qualifications & Awards

Education
  •  Educated in the United Kingdom 
  • Trained in Accounting
  • Trained in Oil & Gas Finance
  • Trained in Project Management 
Experience
  • Over 15 years in public procurement, infrastructure projects, and facilities management 
  • Chief Executive Officer, Thane International Services Ltd — overseeing major, multi-sector infrastructure and procurement projects
  • Led projects across federal ministries, state governments, multilateral agencies, and blue-chip corporations
  • Expert advisor to MDAs on transparent, competitive, and compliant procurement processes 
  • Leadership across housing, education, healthcare, and energy infrastructure delivery
  • Extensive work in facilities management for national hospitals, educational institutions, and public agencies 
  • Advocate for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and infrastructure innovation
  • Corporate governance and risk oversight specialist; certified member of NIM (Nigerian Institute of Management)
Recognition
  • Awarded “Top Business Leader” by the Global Leader Awards in 2023.
  • Recognised as a “Top 100 Business Influencers” by Business Insider.
  • Featured speaker at the International Business Engineering Conference.
  • Honoured with the “Leadership Excellence Award” for outstanding contributions to Infrastructure Development.