Aiboni Assumes Office as First Woman to Lead Shell Nigeria
Elohor Aiboni has assumed office as Executive Vice President, Nigeria, and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, becoming the first woman to lead the energy company’s businesses in the country.
Aiboni, a former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, returned from an international assignment to succeed Marno de Jong, who led Shell’s businesses in Nigeria for more than six years.
The leadership transition was formally marked on Tuesday night at a farewell ceremony for de Jong, attended by representatives of government, the energy industry and professional bodies.
Shell plc Chief Executive Officer, Wael Sawan, praised de Jong’s leadership and contributions to the company in a recorded message played at the event.
“The way Marno drives performance is admirable,” Sawan said.
Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade and investment, said Shell’s investments during de Jong’s tenure aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Bayo Ojulari, group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, also commended de Jong for helping to advance the vision of positioning gas as a source of energy for Nigerians.
Ojulari, who was represented by NNPC’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udobong Ntia, said the national oil company looked forward to deepening its strategic partnership with Shell under the new leadership.
Among the milestones recorded during de Jong’s tenure were Shell’s divestment from onshore oil production, sustained production at the Bonga field and the attainment of one billion barrels of oil output from the asset. His tenure also saw progress on the Bonga North and HI projects.
Shell’s President, Upstream, Peter Costello, described de Jong as a leader who combined technical and commercial expertise with a strong appreciation of partnerships and people.
“He understands the technical detail. He understands the commercial choices. He understands the importance of partnership. And most importantly, he understands the value of people and relationships,” Costello said.
“The hard work starts now, and I look forward to the exciting years ahead,” Aiboni said.
In his farewell remarks, de Jong thanked government officials, regulatory agencies and Shell employees for their cooperation. He also acknowledged the support of his wife, Anne-Marie, and their children throughout his assignments.
“Nigeria taught me many things. It taught me patience. It taught me resilience. It taught me the importance of listening. And above all, it reinforced my belief that progress happens when people come together around a shared purpose,” he said.
