LAGOS, Nigeria — Shell Companies in Nigeria has appointed Elohor Aiboni as its new Executive Vice President, Nigeria, and Country Chair, succeeding Marno de Jong, whose more than six years of leadership were marked by major strategic milestones, including Shell’s onshore divestment and expansion of deepwater operations.
The leadership transition was announced at a farewell ceremony on Tuesday attended by senior government officials, energy industry leaders, regulators and business executives, underscoring Shell’s longstanding role in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Aiboni, the former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), returns from an international assignment to become the first woman to lead Shell’s businesses in Nigeria.
In a recorded message, Shell plc Chief Executive Officer Wael Sawan commended Marno de Jong for his contributions to the global energy company and his leadership of its Nigerian operations.
“The way Marno drives performance is admirable,” Sawan said, thanking him for his dedication and impact across the business.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, also paid tribute to the outgoing executive, noting that Shell’s investments during his tenure aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in supporting economic growth and energy development.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), Bayo Ojulari, represented by Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udobong Ntia, praised Marno’s role in advancing Nigeria’s gas development agenda.
According to Ojulari, Shell has remained a strategic partner in positioning natural gas as a key driver of Nigeria’s energy transition and industrial development.
“We look forward to the next chapter of Shell to deepen our strategic partnership,” he said.
During his tenure, Shell implemented several landmark projects and strategic initiatives that reshaped its Nigerian portfolio.
Among the notable achievements were:
- Completion of Shell’s divestment from its onshore oil assets, paving the way for the formation of Renaissance Africa Energy Company.
- Sustained production at the Bonga deepwater field, which surpassed one billion barrels of cumulative oil production.
- Advancement of the Bonga North project and the HI development project, reinforcing Shell’s long-term commitment to Nigeria’s offshore energy sector.
- Continued investment in natural gas development and strategic partnerships supporting Nigeria’s domestic energy supply.
Senior Shell executives described Marno as a collaborative leader who combined technical expertise with strong stakeholder engagement.
Peter Costello, President of Shell Upstream, said Marno demonstrated exceptional leadership by balancing technical excellence, commercial decision-making and relationship management.
“He understands the technical detail. He understands the commercial choices. He understands the importance of partnership. Most importantly, he understands the value of people and relationships,” Costello said.
Other tributes came from former Shell Nigeria Country Chair Osagie Okunbor, SNEPCo Managing Director Ronald Adams, Shell Nigeria Gas Managing Director Ralph Gbobo, and General Manager, Deepwater Oil, Iyke Nnoaham.
The ceremony’s highlight was the formal handover of leadership from Marno de Jong to Elohor Aiboni, marking a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to head Shell’s businesses in Nigeria.
Aiboni said she was honoured by the appointment and committed to building on the company’s achievements.
“The hard work starts now, and I look forward to the exciting years ahead,” she said.
In his farewell remarks, Marno thanked the Federal Government, regulators, industry partners, Shell employees and his family for their support throughout his assignment.
Reflecting on his years in Nigeria, he described the experience as professionally and personally transformative.
“Nigeria taught me patience. It taught me resilience. It taught me the importance of listening. Above all, it reinforced my belief that progress happens when people come together around a shared purpose,” he said.
The event attracted prominent figures from Nigeria’s energy industry, including:
- Adeleye Falade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG)
- Elozino Olaniyan, Chief Executive Officer, Midwestern Oil & Gas Company Limited
- Jagir Baxi, Chairman and Managing Director, ExxonMobil Nigeria
- Adegbite Falade, Chief Executive Officer, Aradel Holdings Plc, and Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG)
The leadership transition comes at a pivotal period for Shell in Nigeria as the company continues to expand its deepwater and integrated gas investments following the completion of its onshore