Osagie Okunbor retires after 39-yrs of inspiring leadership, driving Shell’s deep-water, integrated gas growth
Marno de Jong, EVP for Nigeria, assumes additional role as Country Chair
Oredola Adeola
Okunbor, a Business Administration graduate of the University of Benin, joined Shell in 1986 and served across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brunei, and the Netherlands during a distinguished 39-year career.
He held several senior leadership positions, including Managing Director of the defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria.
His career also spanned roles such as Vice President, Infrastructure and Logistics in Nigeria; Vice President, Human Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa; and Senior Advisor, Upstream International Operated Business.
Under his leadership, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) reached a major milestone in December 2024 with the Final Investment Decision (FID) on the Bonga North deepwater project.
Other ongoing projects under his tenure, including Bonga Southwest Aparo and the Bonga Main Life Extension, highlight Shell’s sustained investment in offshore growth.
Widely recognized for his dedication to the Nigerian oil and gas industry, Okunbor received the prestigious Dr. Alirio Parra Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
He also served two terms as Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Okunbor, in his farewell message, said, “It has been an honour of a lifetime serving my country on a global platform offered by Shell.
“The Shell values of Honesty, Integrity, and Respect for people have been useful in my modest contributions,” he emphasised.
Executive Vice President Marno de Jong has lauded the retiring Osagie Okunbor for his exceptional contributions to the company and the broader energy sector.
De Jong, who will assume the additional responsibilities of Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, following Okunbor’s retirement, described him as “a respected leader in Shell and the broader industry whose wise counsel and insights have proved invaluable.”
De Jong acknowledged Okunbor’s ability to effectively engage a diverse range of stakeholders, from host communities to senior industry and government officials, highlighting his empathy and interpersonal acumen as critical attributes of his leadership.
“Over a career that has lasted nearly 40 years, he has related with a wide range of stakeholders, from communities to industry leaders, with empathy and excellent relational skills.
“We will all miss his presence and wish him a most enjoyable retirement,” de Jong emphasised.
Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President Bola Tinubu on Energy commended Mr. Okunbor for his inspiring leadership in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly his efforts in championing local content, boosting investor confidence, and championing sustainability.
She noted that, as as two-time chair of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, his leadership has been pivotal in fostering collaboration, regulatory clarity, and industry resilience over the years.
Other stakeholders, including government functionaries, regulators, and chief executives of indigenous and international oil companies, attended the pre-retirement event in Abuja to pay tribute to Okunbor’s legacy.
The dignitaries highlighted Okunbor’s contributions to the development of the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, especially Nigerian content, and playing key roles in Shell’s investments in Deep-water and Integrated Gas in Nigeria.