Seplat Energy Plc has announced a major leadership transition, appointing Mr Tony Elumelu as Chairman-designate and Mr Effiong Okon as incoming chief executive, as it pursues its long-term growth ambitions and 2030 strategic roadmap
The company disclosed that its current Chairman, Mr Udoma Udo Udoma, will retire from the board on December 31, 2026, after overseeing a significant period of strategic expansion, including the integration of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) and the development of Seplat Energy’s 2030 strategic plan.
Mr Elumelu will take over on January 1, 2027, having joined the board at the beginning of the year after buying a 20.07 per cent stake in the local energy producer.
In a parallel leadership transition, the current chief executive, Mr Roger Brown, will retire on July 31, 2026, ending a 13-year tenure with the company, including six years as CEO.
Mr Brown played a pivotal role in Seplat Energy’s transformation, leading major acquisitions, including Eland Oil & Gas in 2019 and the landmark acquisition of MPNU in 2024.
In his place, Mr Okon, who currently serves as Managing Director of the ANOH Gas Processing Company, will take over on August 1.
The veteran brings more than 35 years of industry experience and has held several leadership positions within Seplat Energy and Royal Dutch Shell.
Speaking on his exit, Mr Brown said, “It has been the greatest pleasure to be part of Seplat Energy’s growth since joining in 2013 as CFO and having led the company as CEO since August 2020. I am immensely proud that we have built a company that has now become synonymous with financial resilience, balanced capital allocation, strong corporate governance and shareholder reward.”
Mr Udoma also said, “[Mr] Roger has been ever-present in Seplat Energy’s journey, and under his leadership, the company has materially outperformed the sector and delivered exceptional returns to shareholders. He leaves us well-placed to continue delivering for all our stakeholders.
“I would also like to welcome Mr Okon as our incoming CEO. He has extensive operational experience that will support our ambitious growth aspirations.”
On his part, the incoming CEO said: “I am delighted to be taking on this appointment at an important juncture. My immediate focus will be on ensuring the Company executes the 2030 Roadmap, alongside development of the long-term plan to ensure we deliver on the immense potential inherent in our portfolio.”
Mr Elumelu said, “I am honoured to succeed Senator Udoma as Chairman in January 2027 and to lead the Board through Seplat Energy’s next phase of growth. I firmly believe in the critical role indigenous resources play in the economic transformation of Nigeria and Africa, and Seplat Energy’s culture of execution and governance aligns strongly with my own values.”