Amelia Dokpesi’s 12-Year Journey in a Male-Dominated Industry

In an industry that demands grit, resilience, and the ability to roll up your sleeves — sometimes quite literally — Amelia Dokpesi has carved a space for herself in construction, a field still very much dominated by men. Her story is not one of ease or smooth pathways. It’s one of taking risks, facing challenges head-on, and proving, over and over, that she belongs where the work gets done.

Her journey began over twelve years ago, during the Goodluck Jonathan administration. A friend mentioned road construction work on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway and suggested that she and her partner explore the opportunity. It wasn’t part of any grand plan. But curiosity, coupled with a willingness to dive into the unknown, led her into a world where results matter more than intentions. And she hasn’t looked back since.

Amelia has since worked with major players like CCECC, supplying materials that keep large-scale projects moving. Her ability to deliver — even in the most challenging times — sets her apart. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while the world slowed down, she kept building. Projects didn’t pause, and neither did she. Her team delivered properties to clients, proving that in construction, momentum is everything.

But it’s not just hard work; it’s battle. The construction industry is tough, and Amelia doesn’t sugarcoat it. She laughs when she says, “Construction is male-dominated because it’s not easy, it doesn’t have soft edges. You have to be ready to remove false nails, lashes, wigs — and enter the trenches.” And she means it. On her sites, if the men are climbing bund walls, she’s climbing right alongside them. There’s no room for pretense — only results.

Challenges are constant. One of the biggest is political uncertainty. In Nigeria, a change in government often means projects get abandoned, and contractors like Amelia are left dealing with broken timelines and financial setbacks. Then there’s the uphill battle of funding. Construction is capital-intensive, and getting banks or financial institutions to believe in your project — and back it — is no small feat.

Sourcing materials presents another hurdle: finding reliable suppliers who won’t slow things down. In this business, delays cost money, and trust is everything. Without dependable partners, even the best plans can fall apart.

And yet, through it all, Amelia continues to show up. Her story is a reminder that while construction may not have soft edges, it rewards those who are willing to do the hard work — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. For women looking to step into this space, her advice is simple: be ready to prove yourself, not once, but every single day.

She’s done it for over twelve years — removing the wigs, setting aside the lashes, and entering the trenches. And she’s still building.