By George OPARA
Seplat Energy Plc has affirmed a major leadership upheaval and, appointed Tony Elumelu, as Chairman with effect from January 1, 2027.
It also appointed Effiong Okon as Chief Executive Officer to assume office from August 1, 2026.
The development which was declared by the company on Tuesday, would form part of a diligently planned succession to ensure continuity in governance, leadership and execution of Seplat Energy’s long-term growth strategy towards 2030 agenda.
Seplat disclosed that its current Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown, will retire on July 31, 2026, after 13 years with the company, including six years as CEO.
Brown’s departure smacks the end of a transformative era during which Seplat developed into one of Africa’s leading independent energy companies through a combination of strategic acquisitions, operational expansion and disciplined capital management.
Seplat also announced that its Chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, will retire from the board on December 31, 2026, paving the way for Elumelu to assume leadership of the board at the beginning of next year.
The appointment of Elumelu, Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, signals a significant development for the indigenous energy company.
Heirs Holdings currently holds a 20.07 per cent stake in Seplat Energy, making it one of the company’s largest shareholders.
Spear News Nigeria recalls that Elumelu is widely recognised as one of Africa’s most influential business leaders, with investments spanning energy, power, banking, insurance, technology, healthcare, hospitality and real estate.
His appointment comes as Seplat seeks to accelerate growth across its upstream and gas businesses while strengthening its position as a key player in Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.
In his response, Elumelu said he was honoured to succeed Udoma and lead the board through the company’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”.
He added that he looked forward to building on the achievements of the current leadership while delivering greater value to shareholders and other stakeholders.
However, company said Okon’s appointment as CEO reflects its commitment to maintaining operational excellence and strategic continuity.
With more than 35 years of industry experience, Okon is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished energy executives.
Spear News Nigeria was told that Okon joined Seplat in 2018 as Operations Director, Okon later served as New Energy Director before becoming Managing Director of the ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC).
Under his leadership, the landmark ANOH gas project achieved first gas production in January 2026, a milestone widely seen as critical to Nigeria’s gas development ambitions.
Prior to joining Seplat, Okon spent decades with Royal Dutch Shell, holding senior operational and leadership roles across Africa, Europe, the United States and the Middle East.
On his reaction, Okon said his immediate priority would be the successful execution of Seplat’s Roadmap 2030 strategy while positioning the company for sustainable long-term growth.
“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”.
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