Shell Plc has announced the appointment of Elohor Aiboni as its new Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, making history as the first Nigerian and the first woman to occupy the combined position since the company began operations in the country more than six decades ago.
The appointment will take effect on August 1, 2026, marking a significant milestone not only for Shell but also for gender representation and local leadership within Nigeria’s energy industry.
Aiboni succeeds Marno de Jong, who is retiring after six years as head of Shell’s Nigerian operations and a distinguished 34-year career with the global energy company.
Her appointment reflects Shell’s confidence in her extensive experience and leadership abilities, developed over more than 24 years with the organisation. Throughout her career, she has held several strategic positions across Shell’s onshore and offshore operations in Nigeria while also serving in international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.
Industry observers view her promotion as a recognition of her contributions to the company’s growth and operational success over the years.
One of Aiboni’s most notable achievements came in 2021 when she became the first woman to serve as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo). Her appointment at the time was widely regarded as a landmark moment for women in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
During her leadership at SNEPCo, the company recorded a major operational milestone when the Bonga field produced its one-billionth barrel of oil in 2023. The achievement highlighted the importance of deep-water oil production to Nigeria’s energy sector and demonstrated the company’s operational capabilities under her leadership.
In 2024, Aiboni took on another international assignment in Brunei, where she was responsible for overseeing production activities and ensuring the successful delivery of major projects. The experience further strengthened her profile as a global energy executive capable of managing complex operations across different regions.
Reacting to her latest appointment, Aiboni expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to continue building on the progress achieved by her predecessor.
She praised Marno de Jong for his contributions to Shell’s operations in Nigeria, noting that he successfully guided the business through important periods of growth, operational stability, and project development.
According to her, she is committed to working closely with stakeholders, government agencies, host communities, and business partners to ensure Shell continues to contribute positively to Nigeria’s economic development and energy future.
Aiboni also reaffirmed Shell’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria, where the company has maintained a presence for more than 60 years.
Her appointment comes at a time when the energy industry is undergoing significant changes, including the transition toward cleaner energy sources, increased local participation, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
Many industry experts believe her leadership experience, deep understanding of the Nigerian market, and international exposure position her well to guide Shell through the next phase of its operations in the country.
As she prepares to assume office, Aiboni’s appointment is being celebrated as a major achievement for Nigerian professionals and women aspiring to leadership positions in the energy sector. It also signals Shell’s continued commitment to developing local talent and promoting diversity at the highest levels of management.
