Seplat Energy has appointed Effiong Okon as its new chief executive officer, placing an experienced oil and gas executive in charge of the Nigerian energy company as it expands its operations and strengthens its position in the industry.
Okon assumed office on August 1, 2026, succeeding Roger Brown, who retired after 13 years with the company, including six years as chief executive officer.
The appointment comes as Seplat continues to integrate assets acquired from ExxonMobil’s Nigerian operations while pursuing increased oil and gas production and expanding its gas business.
Okon brings more than 35 years of experience in the energy sector, including a 26-year career at Shell before joining Seplat Energy in 2018.
During his time at Seplat, he served in several senior positions, including executive director of operations and director of new energy.
Before his appointment as CEO, he was managing director of ANOH Gas Processing Company, a joint venture involving Seplat Energy and Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
Under his leadership, the project achieved first gas production in January 2026.
The ANOH gas processing plant is designed to process up to 300 million standard cubic feet of gas daily.
Its development is expected to support domestic gas supply for electricity generation and industrial activities in Nigeria.
As chief executive, Okon will oversee the company’s operations, project delivery, production growth and gas development strategy.
His responsibilities also include advancing Seplat’s long-term growth plans following its acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in 2024.
The acquisition significantly expanded Seplat’s portfolio, increasing its exposure to Nigeria’s offshore oil and gas assets and strengthening its position among the country’s indigenous energy producers.
The company is also pursuing its 2030 strategic roadmap, which focuses on developing its assets, improving operational performance and creating long-term value for shareholders.
Okon’s appointment forms part of a broader leadership transition at Seplat.
The company has also elected businessman Tony Elumelu as its next chairman, effective January 1, 2027, when current chairman Udoma Udo Udoma is due to retire.
With its expanded asset base and growing gas operations, Seplat faces the task of translating its investments into sustained production growth while maintaining operational efficiency and meeting Nigeria’s energy needs.
Okon’s experience across oil production, project development and gas processing is expected to be central to the company’s efforts to achieve these objectives.
Sources: Premium Times | Seplat Energy
