By Shell has appointed ELOHOR AIBONI as Executive Vice President and Country Chair Nigeria, making her the first Nigerian to hold the combined leadership position in the company’s history.
Effective August 1, 2026, Aiboni will succeed Marno de Jong, who is leaving Shell after a 34-year career. The appointment marks a major milestone for both Shell and Nigeria’s energy sector, highlighting the growing influence of Nigerian professionals in leading global energy businesses.
Aiboni brings more than 24 years of experience across Shell’s upstream operations, including offshore, shallow-water, and onshore assets, as well as international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.
She previously served as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, where she played a significant role in overseeing some of the country’s largest deepwater energy projects.
Her extensive industry expertise and international experience position her well to lead Shell’s operations in Nigeria.
The leadership transition comes as Nigeria’s energy industry continues to evolve through increased investment in deepwater production, natural gas development, and critical energy infrastructure. Industry observers see Aiboni’s appointment as a landmark achievement that reflects the rising prominence of African executives in the global energy landscape and reinforces confidence in the future growth of Nigeria’s energy sector.
