Shell has announced the appointment of former Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) Managing Director, Elohor Aiboni, as its new Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria.
According to a statement by Shell’s Country Communications Manager in Nigeria, Gladys Afam-Anadu, the appointment takes effect from August 1, 2026. Aiboni will succeed Marno de Jong, who is set to leave the company after a 34-year career in Shell.
Aiboni, who is currently serving as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum, previously led SNEPCo as Managing Director from 2021, becoming the first woman to head the company’s deep-water operations in Nigeria. She is also the first Nigerian to assume the combined role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Shell Nigeria.
She brings more than 24 years of experience within Shell, spanning offshore, shallow water, and onshore operations in Nigeria, as well as international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.
In her reaction to the appointment, Aiboni said she was honoured by the opportunity to lead Shell’s operations in Nigeria and contribute to the company’s long-standing presence in the country’s energy sector.
“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.
Outgoing Country Chair, Marno de Jong, who joined Shell in 1992, held several senior roles across multiple countries including the United Kingdom, Venezuela, Australia, the United States, the Netherlands, Malaysia, and Indonesia. He was appointed Country Chair Nigeria in 2020 and later became Executive Vice President overseeing Shell’s Nigerian operations.
Under his leadership, Shell’s deep-water asset Bonga recorded strong performance, with sustained production reliability above target levels. He also played a key role in advancing investment decisions on major projects including the HI offshore gas development and Bonga North project.
Commenting on his departure, de Jong expressed appreciation for his time in Nigeria, noting strong collaboration with colleagues and partners, and confidence in Aiboni’s ability to build on his legacy.
Shell said the leadership transition reflects continuity in its Nigerian operations as the company pursues ongoing investments in deep-water oil and gas projects and broader energy development initiatives.
The company has maintained a significant presence in Nigeria for over six decades, with operations spanning exploration, production, and major offshore developments such as the Bonga field.
