History Made: Shell appoints Elohor Aiboni first Nigerian Executive Vice President, Country Chair - ITREALMS

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Landmark transition for the energy sector, has been announced by Shell with the appointment of Elohor Aiboni as the new Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, effective August 1, 2026, reports ITREALMS.

This appointment marks a significant milestone, as Aiboni becomes the first Nigerian to occupy the combined role, signaling a major win for local leadership in the international oil company’s hierarchy.

Aiboni, who currently serves as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum, takes the mantle from Marno de Jong. De Jong is departing Shell to pursue external opportunities after a distinguished 34-year tenure with the company.

During his over six-year stint at the helm of Shell Nigeria, de Jong was pivotal in driving operational excellence. His leadership saw the Bonga asset maintain high availability and facilitated critical investment milestones, most notably the HI offshore gas project and the Bonga North development. Reflecting on his departure, de Jong expressed confidence in the company’s future under Aiboni, citing her "strong leadership credentials" as a catalyst for continued value and growth.

With over 24 years of experience within Shell, Aiboni’s career is defined by breaking barriers. Before her international assignment in Brunei in 2024, she made history in 2021 as the first female Managing Director of the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo).

Highlights of her tenure include leading the deepwater business to reach the milestone of the 1 billionth barrel of oil from the Bonga field in 2023; Navigating complex operations across Nigeria’s offshore, shallow water, and onshore landscapes, complemented by international roles in Kazakhstan and Brunei.

"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," Aiboni stated. "Marno has led from his heart... it’s a legacy I’m keen to build on with the support of colleagues and other stakeholders."

For industry watchers and ITREALMS readers, this transition represents more than just a change in personnel. 

"It underscores Shell’s evolving strategy in Nigeria, balancing the need for veteran global leadership with the increasing importance of local expertise in navigating the country’s unique energy challenges.

As the sector moves toward a more sustainable and gas-focused future, Aiboni’s deep knowledge of Shell’s local infrastructure makes her a strategic choice for this new era.

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