In December 2025, Michael Uzoma Agu was awarded the CITP®|FIBP® credential. His entry into international trade originated while he was employed in the energy arena, where duties in finance, business development and cross-border dealings ignited a lasting fascination with commerce. During his tenure at Shell Nigerian Gas Company and Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, he acquired experience in international gas sales, financial operations and business development.
Building international trade experience in the energy sector
Michael’s early career in a global industry offered him insights into the practicalities of international transactions, revealing how commercial, financial, and regulatory factors intersect across markets. At Shell, he engaged directly with global clients and partners, gaining a deep understanding of the operational and financial aspects of international business. Among his most memorable experiences were his contributions to Shell Nigerian Gas, particularly in international gas sales and business development.
His role at Shell exposed him to the complexities of cross-border operations, highlighting the importance of collaboration across various expertise areas in international trade. A standout project involved leading the finance team in migrating Shell Nigerian Gas data from the SUN system to SAP. This initiative, while not solely trade-focused, honed skills key to his career: managing complexity, cross-functional collaboration, and adapting to evolving systems and business needs. Shell provided him with valuable insights into the operational and financial dimensions of international trade within the energy sector.
Those insights gave him a strong base in the financial processes that underpin global commerce, including managing international accounts and understanding how commercial activity translates into the day-to-day movement of money, products, and information.
Applying that experience in Canada
Michael later applied his international expertise in Canada through his work with Atlas Graham Furgale Ltd., where his responsibilities expanded to include international trade operations. He managed international accounts payable and receivable and facilitated import and export activities, leveraging his energy industry knowledge in a new business context. This role also allowed him to contribute to the company’s global expansion, further deepening his understanding of cross-market operations.
“I enjoyed working with Atlas Graham Furgale Ltd in Canada, managing international trade operations and expanding the company’s global reach,” he says. Moving between industries reinforced an important lesson for Michael: international trade professionals have to remain adaptable. Markets, regulations, customer expectations, and business practices can differ substantially from one country or sector to another. For professionals working across those boundaries, technical expertise is only part of the equation.
Gaining a recognized professional credential
Michael chose to pursue the CITP designation because it was both a way to recognize what he had already accomplished and an opportunity to demonstrate his continued commitment to an international career. “Earning the CITP designation was an incredible achievement,” Michael says. “This recognition highlights my expertise and accomplishments in international trade.”