Shell has appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, making her the first Nigerian and the first woman to hold the combined role in the company’s six decades of operations in the country.
A historic appointment
Effective August 1, 2026, Aiboni succeeds Marno de Jong, who is stepping down after more than six years leading Shell’s Nigerian business. Her elevation is being hailed as a landmark for women’s representation in the oil and gas sector.
The appointment crowns a career built over more than two decades within the company, spanning Nigeria’s offshore, shallow-water and onshore operations.
A career of firsts
In 2021, Aiboni became Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), the first woman to lead the company’s deepwater business. During her tenure, the flagship Bonga field produced its one-billionth barrel of oil in 2023.
She brings more than 24 years of Shell experience, including international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei, where she has overseen asset performance, production and project delivery.
Why it matters
Aiboni’s emergence is significant for an industry where senior leadership has long been dominated by men and by expatriate executives. Her appointment signals a shift toward local and female leadership at the top.
Shell remains one of the largest players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, making the role one of the most influential in the sector.
Building on a legacy
Aiboni has said she is keen to build on the company’s legacy with the support of colleagues and stakeholders as she returns home to lead its Nigerian operations.
Her rise stands as an inspiration for young Nigerians, and especially women, eyeing careers in one of the country’s most strategic industries.
