Before joining the Presidency of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2007, Nwankpo founded and led Sullivan and Sullivan Consulting (1997–2007), a conflict resolution consultancy in
Port Harcourt. He worked with companies such as
Royal Dutch Shell,
Chevron Corporation, and
Total S.A. in the Niger and developed third-party strategies for managing oilfield conflicts. He co-authored the Peace and Security Strategy (PASS) for Shell Companies in Nigeria together with WAC Global Services. During this period, Nwankpo worked for the Government of
Bayelsa State (2003–2007), where he developed the Bayelsa Partnership Initiative. From 1997 -1998, Nwankpo was a conflict resolution consultant to Yakubu Gowon Centre, where he played an active role in designing and implementing the Peace Initiative for the Ogoni-Shell Crisis. Earlier in his career, Nwankpo was the Chief Executive of Think Limited (1994–1996); the Personal Assistant to Honourable Commissioner for Education of
Anambra State (1992–1994); and the general manager of Oil Mill Central Investment Company (Anambra State) (1990–1992). == Family ==