- Odibo Victory
Shell Companies in Nigeria have bid farewell to outgoing Executive Vice President Nigeria and Country Chair, Marno de Jong, after more than six years in the role, while welcoming former Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Elohor Aiboni, as his successor.
The transition was marked at a send-off ceremony on Tuesday night, attended by government officials, industry leaders and other stakeholders who celebrated Marno’s contributions to Shell’s operations in Nigeria.
In a recorded farewell message, Shell plc Chief Executive Officer, Wael Sawan, praised Marno’s leadership and commitment to performance, thanking him for his contributions to the company.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, also commended Marno, noting that Shell’s investments during his tenure aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bayo Ojulari, represented by Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udobong Ntia, lauded Marno for supporting efforts to position gas as a key source of energy for Nigerians.
“We look forward to the next chapter of Shell to deepen our strategic partnership,” Ojulari said.
Among the major milestones recorded during Marno’s tenure were Shell’s divestment from onshore oil production, which paved the way for Renaissance, sustained production at the Bonga field leading to the production of one billion barrels of oil, and the execution of the Bonga North and HI projects.
Tributes also poured in from Shell executives, who described Marno as a people-focused leader. President, Upstream, Peter Costello, said Marno combined technical expertise, commercial insight and strong partnerships with a deep appreciation for people and relationships.
Other speakers, including former Shell Nigeria Country Chair, Osagie Okunbor, SNEPCo Managing Director, Ronald Adams, Shell Nigeria Gas Managing Director, Ralph Gbobo, and General Manager, Deepwater Oil, Iyke Nnoaham, echoed similar sentiments.
A major highlight of the event was the formal handover of leadership from Marno to Elohor Aiboni, who becomes the first woman to lead Shell’s businesses in Nigeria.
“The hard work starts now, and I look forward to the exciting years ahead,” Elohor said after assuming office.
In his farewell remarks, Marno expressed gratitude to government officials, regulators, Shell employees and his family for their support throughout his time in Nigeria.
“Nigeria taught me many things. It taught me patience. It taught me resilience. It taught me the importance of listening.
“And above all, it reinforced my belief that progress happens when people come together around a shared purpose,” he said.
Among those who attended the event were Nigeria LNG Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade; Midwestern Oil and Gas Company Limited Chief Executive Officer, Elozino Olaniyan; ExxonMobil Nigeria Chairman and Managing Director, Jagir Baxi; and Aradel Holdings Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Independent Petroleum Producers Group, Adegbite Falade.