Elohor Aiboni, the new Executive VP Shell PLC Nigeria

By Philippine Duru

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Shell Plc has appointed Elohor Aiboni as its new Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first Nigerian to solely lead the energy giant’s operations in the country.

The appointment, which takes effect on August 1, 2026, will see Aiboni succeed Marno de Jong, who has overseen Shell’s Nigerian business during a period of significant transformation in the country’s oil and gas sector.

Aiboni’s elevation to the top position comes at a crucial time for Shell’s operations in Nigeria, as the company continues to reshape its portfolio, deepen investments in offshore oil and gas production, and expand its role in supporting the country’s energy transition ambitions.

Industry observers view the appointment as a significant endorsement of local leadership and expertise within one of the world’s largest energy companies. It also reflects the growing influence of Nigerian professionals in steering multinational corporations operating in Africa’s largest economy.

Prior to her new role, Aiboni held several senior leadership positions within Shell, building a reputation as a seasoned engineer and executive with extensive experience across the energy value chain. Her career has spanned technical, operational and strategic assignments, positioning her as one of the most accomplished Nigerian professionals in the global oil and gas industry.

As Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Aiboni will be responsible for coordinating Shell’s businesses and stakeholder engagements in Nigeria, overseeing relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, host communities and industry partners. She will also guide the company’s strategy as it navigates evolving regulatory frameworks, energy security concerns and the drive toward lower-carbon energy solutions.

The appointment is expected to strengthen Shell’s commitment to local content development, talent empowerment and sustainable energy investments in Nigeria. Over the years, the company has consistently emphasized the importance of building indigenous capacity and increasing Nigerian participation in leadership positions across its operations.

Shell remains one of the most significant players in Nigeria’s energy sector through its interests in deepwater production, integrated gas projects and liquefied natural gas ventures. The company has increasingly focused on offshore and gas-related investments following the divestment of several onshore assets in recent years.

Analysts say Aiboni’s extensive knowledge of Nigeria’s energy landscape could prove valuable as the company seeks to maximize returns from its deepwater assets while supporting the country’s efforts to monetize its vast natural gas resources.

Her appointment also comes amid renewed efforts by the Nigerian government to attract fresh investment into the oil and gas industry through reforms aimed at improving the operating environment and boosting production levels.

With Nigeria seeking to leverage its abundant hydrocarbon reserves to drive economic growth, create jobs and enhance energy access, Aiboni is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening collaboration between Shell and key stakeholders across the sector.

The leadership transition underscores Shell’s confidence in local expertise and signals a new chapter for the company’s presence in Nigeria, where it has maintained operations for decades and remains a major contributor to the nation’s energy industry.