28-Year-Old Juliana Terzungwe Makes History as Female Truck Driver at Dangote Oil

Once considered a male-dominated field, Nigeria’s logistics and petroleum distribution sector is now witnessing a wave of change led by trailblazers like Juliana Terzungwe Iorzaa.

The 28-year-old driver from Benue State has emerged as a symbol of courage and perseverance, recently gaining recognition as one of the new petroleum truck drivers assigned by Dangote Oil in 2025.

Juliana, originally from Odukpani and now residing in Calabar, Rivers State, represents a story of determination and progress. A graduate of the Akperan Orshi College of Agriculture, Yandev, where she completed her studies in 2021, she chose a path less traveled opting to become a professional truck driver instead of waiting for a conventional office job.

Determined to meet the requirements for her chosen career, Juliana enrolled at the Lafarge Driving Institute in Calabar, where she received intensive training in advanced driving techniques and heavy-duty vehicle safety standards.

Her dedication and discipline stood out throughout the program, earning her the respect of her instructors and peers.

Her hard work paid off in May 2024 when she was employed by MDS Logistics as the company’s first female truck driver.

Her exceptional performance soon led to a promotion as Delivery Officer in Aba, Abia State.

On October 5, 2025, Juliana’s career reached a remarkable milestone when Dangote Oil, the downstream arm of the Dangote Group, officially allocated a petroleum truck to her as part of its national fuel distribution network.

Her achievement highlights the growing presence of women in sectors once considered exclusive to men and underscores ongoing efforts by major corporations like Dangote to promote gender inclusion in Nigeria’s workforce.

Juliana Terzungwe’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the power of breaking stereotypes proving that determination can drive anyone, regardless of gender, to success.