Chief Josh A. Denila, Founder & CEO, Petrosoft Ltd

The weight of challenges often causes many to stumble, retreating from their dreams as setbacks test their resolve. But, there are those who refuse to be held back. Instead of succumbing to adversity, they rise—emerging stronger, turning their struggles into powerful strengths. This relentless resilience and resourcefulness are the hallmarks of Nigerian entrepreneurs, who, despite facing economic turbulence, infrastructural challenges, and regulatory obstacles, continue to break boundaries. Their success isn’t born from comfort but from an unyielding ability to innovate, adapt, and lead through adversity. They embrace disruption, challenge the status quo, and turn limitations into opportunities for progress. One such changemaker is Chief Josh A. Denila, a resilient leader whose journey from a young dreamer to a pioneering force in Nigeria’s tech and energy sectors embodies the very essence of the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Growing up in a modest Nigerian household, Denila learned early on the value of hard work and resourcefulness. His parents, though not wealthy, instilled in him a strong sense of independence and a belief that he could achieve anything he set his mind to. These early lessons sparked his entrepreneurial spirit, igniting a deep passion for innovation. Despite the financial challenges, Denila’s natural curiosity and drive helped him excel academically, and soon he recognized that entrepreneurship could not only offer him financial independence but also the chance to make a lasting impact on his community. This realization steered him toward the oil and gas sector, where he saw inefficiencies and outdated systems plaguing Nigeria’s downstream industry. But instead of focusing on the problems, Denila saw an opportunity to create solutions that could transform the industry. This vision ultimately led to the creation of Petrosoft Ltd, a cutting-edge software and hardware development company specializing in the downstream oil and gas sector. Recognizing the need for automation, the company has developed integrated tools for inventory management, automated accounting, and customer relationship management (CRM), which have significantly improved efficiency and customer satisfaction for businesses in the industry. These solutions have proven to be game-changers, empowering even the largest and most successful players in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector to operate more efficiently and profitably.

Paving the Way for a New Era in Downstream Retail

By the end of 2025, Petrosoft Ltd plans to launch unmanned fuel stations across Nigeria—an initiative that will completely transform the country’s downstream retail sector. Powered by Petrosoft’s cutting-edge automation and payment systems, this innovation promises to address long-standing challenges such as operational inefficiencies, customer dissatisfaction, and fraud risks, while cutting down on wait times and reducing operational costs. With no manual intervention, the system will ensure accurate fuel dispensing and flawless billing, significantly reducing human error at every stage. “Petrosoft’s advanced monitoring and data analytics will provide real-time insights into fuel inventory, sales, and equipment performance. This visibility will foster trust between fuel station owners and their customers, addressing concerns about fraud or malpractice that have long plagued the sector,” explains Denila.

For customers, the unmanned stations will offer an intuitive and efficient fueling experience. With self-service interfaces and diverse payment options—ranging from mobile wallets to cards—customers can refuel quickly, without the need for human interaction. This not only speeds up the process but also enhances convenience, especially in high-traffic areas. The introduction of unmanned fuel stations will also tackle pervasive issues in the Nigerian downstream sector, such as fuel theft, adulteration, and inconsistent pricing. The automation and monitoring capabilities of these stations will significantly reduce opportunities for illicit activities, ensuring product integrity and fair pricing.

Empowering Industries with Cutting-Edge Innovation

Before founding Petrosoft Ltd, Joshua had already established a solid foundation in the tech and business world with multiple successful ventures. One of his first major projects was Hypercom Network Limited, a leading provider of cloud computing, access control, custom software development, and IP-based telecom solutions. Founded in 2000, Hypercom Network initially started as a computer hardware retailer but quickly shifted gears to embrace the growing demand for software-driven business solutions. Recognizing the potential of software to streamline operations and drive efficiency, Denila strategically steered Hypercom towards custom ERP software development. This transition allowed the company to cater to industries such as manufacturing and services, offering tailored solutions that optimized business processes. Building on this success, Hypercom expanded its reach into the oil and gas sector, providing specialized ERP tools that improved supply chain management, inventory control, and financial operations. As the tech landscape continued to evolve, Hypercom embraced the emerging power of IoT and AI to offer smarter, more efficient solutions, further solidifying its position at the forefront of Nigeria’s digital revolution.

Building on the success of Hypercom, Joshua expanded his entrepreneurial horizons by launching a series of ventures, including PrintLABS Limited, a printing and publishing company, and Activeguard Telematics Limited, which provided integrated risk mitigation solutions for multinational corporations and governments. PrintLABS has quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to quality and innovation, offering both digital and offset printing services across Nigeria. Meanwhile, Denila’s other groundbreaking venture, Activeguard Telematics Ltd, focuses on intelligent fleet monitoring and high-tech security solutions. By providing real-time insights and advanced monitoring capabilities, Activeguard has helped businesses optimize fleet operations and ensure safety across various sectors. The company’s dedication to innovation was recently recognized at the prestigious GITEX 2024 event in Dubai, where Activeguard won the WialonIoT Project of the Year award. This award honored their groundbreaking use of AI technology for vessel fuel monitoring and tracking, which was implemented across several marine sector clients. The solution’s success, marked by features like efficient fuel and emissions management, intelligent engine health checks, and real-time monitoring, highlights Activeguard’s expertise in leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and safety in the maritime sector. “This win not only underscores Activeguard’s commitment to innovation but also solidifies our position as a key player in both the Nigerian and global IoT landscape,” opines Denila.

Overcoming Challenges with Grit

Denila’s journey to entrepreneurship has been far from easy. Like many Nigerian entrepreneurs, he encountered obstacles such as limited access to capital, navigating bureaucratic red tape, and operating in a complex business environment. But rather than letting these challenges hold him back, Denila turned them into opportunities for growth. Running multiple ventures wasn’t just demanding—it was often chaotic. Each company came with its own unique challenges, pulling his focus in different directions. Managing time and resources across these enterprises could have been a recipe for burnout, but Denila approached it with calculated resolve. “To overcome this, I’ve built strong leadership teams for each company and implemented robust systems and processes for delegation and oversight,” asserts Denila.

At every turn, Denila demonstrated his ability to adapt and innovate. He actively sought advice from mentors, cultivated a robust professional network, and embraced technology as a tool for finding solutions. His forward-thinking approach and unshakable belief in his vision have played a key role in his success. 

A Leader in Business and Philanthropy

When it comes to leadership, Denila’s approach is collaborative and empowering. “I believe in surrounding myself with talented individuals and giving them the autonomy to excel in their roles. I also value open communication and encourage my teams to share their ideas and perspectives,” he shares. Denila’s influence, however, extends far beyond business. As a philanthropist, he is deeply committed to giving back to the community. He recognizes the profound impact education can have, which is why he invests in initiatives that empower young entrepreneurs and provide underprivileged children with the opportunities they deserve.

As a role model and mentor, Denila takes great pride in sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring entrepreneurs. He recognizes the unique challenges that come with navigating Nigeria’s ever-changing business landscape and is deeply passionate about guiding others toward success. He firmly believes that entrepreneurship has the power to transform lives and uplift entire communities. He encourages entrepreneurs to focus on building strong, cohesive teams and delegating tasks effectively while surrounding themselves with talented, like-minded individuals who share the same vision and values.  “Prioritize innovation and always be looking for ways to improve and adapt to changing market conditions. Finally, remember that success takes time and perseverance. Don’t give up on your dreams,” Denila advises.

Charting the Path Forward

Denila’s entrepreneurial journey extends beyond personal achievement—it’s a vital contribution to Nigeria’s economic progress. Through his various ventures, he has created job opportunities, sparked economic growth, and positioned Nigeria as an emerging leader in technological innovation. His dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions in software, IoT, AI, and commercial printing is reshaping industries and setting the stage for a prosperous future. Looking to the future, Denila envisions even greater growth over the next 5 to 10 years. He sees his companies expanding both locally and internationally, with Hypercom Network leading the charge in global tech solutions, Petrosoft revolutionizing the oil and gas sector, and Activeguard Telematics transforming fleet management worldwide. Denila also believes PrintLABS will continue to set the standard for commercial printing, both in Nigeria and internationally. For Denila, success isn’t just measured by profits; it’s about creating lasting value. As he puts it, “Success for me is about creating value and making a positive impact. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about empowering people and building something that lasts.” “I measure success by the growth and profitability of my companies, the satisfaction of my customers, and the positive impact we have on our communities,” he adds.