Elohor Aiboni Becomes First Nigerian and First Woman to Lead Shell’s Operations in Nigeria

After more than two decades with Shell, the former SNEPCo managing director has assumed the company’s highest leadership position in Nigeria.

Elohor Aiboni has officially assumed office as Shell’s Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, becoming the first Nigerian and first woman to lead the company’s operations in the country.

Her appointment took effect on August 1, 2026, following an announcement by Shell in June. She succeeds Marno de Jong, who left the company after a 34-year career, including more than six years overseeing its Nigerian operations.

More Than Two Decades at Shell

Aiboni brings more than 24 years of experience across Shell’s offshore, shallow-water and onshore businesses, as well as international assignments in Kazakhstan and Brunei.

She studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Benin before obtaining a master’s degree in Integrated Environmental Management from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom.

Aiboni joined Shell in 2002 and gradually moved through technical, operational and leadership positions. Her career has included responsibility for several major oil and gas assets in Nigeria.

She served as Asset Manager for the Sea Eagle Floating Production, Storage and Offloading facility before becoming Asset Manager for Shell’s Bonga deepwater development.

Her First Major Leadership Breakthrough

In 2021, Aiboni became the first woman appointed Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited, commonly known as SNEPCo.

The appointment placed her in charge of Shell’s deepwater operations and investments in Nigeria, including the Bonga field.

During her tenure, Bonga reached the milestone of producing its one-billionth barrel of oil in 2023. The achievement came almost two decades after production began at the offshore field.

Aiboni moved to Brunei in 2024 to serve as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum, where she oversaw asset performance, production activities and project delivery.

Her return to Nigeria places her at the head of Shell’s businesses and operations across the country.

Taking Over During a Period of Transition

Aiboni assumes the position at a time when Shell is advancing major offshore and gas investments in Nigeria, including the Bonga North development and the HI offshore gas project.

Her predecessor, Marno de Jong, was appointed Senior Vice President for Nigeria in 2020 and later took on the combined positions of Executive Vice President and Country Chair.

Under de Jong’s leadership, Shell progressed several investment decisions while maintaining operations through a period of significant change in Nigeria’s energy industry.

Aiboni said she intends to build on that foundation while working with employees, partners and other stakeholders to support the efficient delivery of Shell’s business in Nigeria.

Her elevation represents a significant moment for Nigerian leadership and female representation in an industry where the most senior operational positions have traditionally been occupied by men.

From joining Shell at the beginning of her engineering career in 2002 to assuming its highest leadership position in Nigeria, Aiboni’s rise reflects more than two decades of technical experience, international exposure and operational leadership.