Shell has announced the appointment of Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, making history as the first Nigerian and the first woman to hold the combined position in the company’s more than 60 years of operations in the country.
The appointment, which takes effect on August 1, 2026, marks a significant moment for one of the world’s largest energy companies and highlights the growing presence of Nigerian professionals in top global leadership roles.
Aiboni will succeed Marno de Jong, who is stepping down after more than six years leading Shell’s operations in Nigeria and a 34-year career with the company.
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A Career Built Across Nigeria and Beyond
Aiboni is no stranger to breaking barriers at Shell. She joined the company more than two decades ago and has built an extensive career spanning offshore, shallow-water and onshore operations in Nigeria, as well as international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.
Her rise through the ranks has been marked by several notable achievements. In 2021, she became the first woman to serve as the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), one of Shell’s key deep-water businesses in the country.
During her time at SNEPCo, she oversaw major operations and helped guide the company through an important milestone when the Bonga field produced its one billionth barrel of oil in 2023. The achievement reinforced the importance of deep-water production to Nigeria’s energy industry and Shell’s long-term operations in the country.
In 2024, Aiboni moved to Brunei, where she took responsibility for asset performance, production and project delivery. The international experience further strengthened her leadership profile and prepared her for one of the most senior positions within Shell’s global structure.
A New Chapter for Shell Nigeria
Speaking on her appointment, Aiboni expressed enthusiasm about returning to Nigeria in a larger leadership capacity. She said she looks forward to contributing to the efficient delivery of Shell’s business in a country where the company has operated for more than six decades. She also praised her predecessor, noting that Marno de Jong helped sustain operations while driving growth and project delivery during a period of significant change in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Shell also acknowledged de Jong’s contributions during his tenure. Under his leadership, major projects advanced, including investments linked to the Bonga North project and offshore gas developments. The company credited him with helping maintain strong operational performance while navigating industry transitions.
De Jong expressed confidence in Aiboni’s ability to lead the business, describing her as a highly experienced executive with the credentials needed to guide Shell’s next phase of growth in Nigeria.
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Why the Appointment Matters
Beyond its significance for Shell, Aiboni’s appointment represents a major milestone for women in Africa’s energy industry. The oil and gas sector has traditionally been dominated by men, especially at executive levels, making her rise to one of the industry’s most influential positions particularly noteworthy.
Her appointment also reflects a broader trend of multinational companies increasingly placing experienced local professionals in leadership positions. For Nigeria, it highlights the depth of talent available within the country’s energy sector and demonstrates how Nigerian professionals continue to take on leadership roles on the global stage.
As Shell continues to reshape its operations and pursue new investment opportunities in Nigeria, Aiboni’s leadership will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, policymakers and investors. Many will see her appointment as both a recognition of past achievements and a signal of confidence in the future of Nigerian leadership within the global energy industry.
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