LAGOS, June 18 – Shell has appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair Nigeria, making her the first Nigerian to occupy the combined leadership position in the company’s history.
The appointment will take effect on August 1, 2026, according to a statement issued by the company.
Aiboni, who currently serves as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum, will succeed Marno de Jong, who is departing the energy major after a 34-year career to pursue new opportunities.
The appointment marks a significant milestone for Shell’s operations in Nigeria and reflects the growing role of Nigerian professionals in leading major global energy businesses.
Aiboni brings more than 24 years of experience across Shell’s upstream operations, having worked in offshore, shallow-water and onshore assets, as well as international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.
She previously served as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, where she played a key role in overseeing some of Nigeria’s largest deepwater energy projects.
Commenting on her appointment, Aiboni said she looks forward to building on the progress achieved under her predecessor’s leadership.
“I’m excited at the opportunity to continue to contribute to the efficient delivery of Shell’s business in Nigeria and thereby power progress in a country we’ve been part of for more than 60 years,” she said.
She also praised Marno de Jong’s contribution to the company, noting that his leadership helped sustain operations and drive growth during a period of significant change in Nigeria’s energy sector.
De Jong expressed confidence in the company’s future under Aiboni’s leadership.
“I leave with fond memories of warm friendships and strong support from colleagues in Shell and our partners. I’m confident that Shell operations in Nigeria will continue to deliver value and growth under Elohor, given the strong leadership credentials she brings to the role,” he said.
The leadership transition comes at a time when Nigeria’s energy sector is undergoing significant transformation, with growing investment in deepwater production, natural gas development and energy infrastructure.
Industry observers view Aiboni’s appointment as a landmark achievement for Nigeria’s energy industry and a reflection of the increasing prominence of African executives within the global energy sector.
Her extensive operational experience, international exposure and deep understanding of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry are expected to support Shell’s strategic objectives as the company continues to navigate a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
