By Amaka Obiefuna

Shell Nigeria is celebrating Country Chair Osagie Okunbor, who is retiring this month after 39 years of service. Stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, including government functionaries, regulators, and chief executives of indigenous and international oil companies are joining to honour Okunbor at the milestone ceremonies which began in Abuja last night (June 24, 2025).

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. Executive Vice President Nigeria, Marno de Jong, will take on the additional responsibilities of Country Chair Nigeria.

Marno said: “Osagie is a respected leader in Shell and the broader industry whose wise counsel and insights have proved invaluable. Over a career that has lasted nearly 40 years, Okunbor 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.”

Okunbor 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.”

A graduate of University of Benin in Business Administration, Okunbor joined Shell in 1986 and has served in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brunei and the Netherlands. He became Managing Director of the defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria in 2015.

His previous roles include Vice President, Infrastructure and Logistics in Nigeria, Vice President Human Resources, Sub-Saharan Africa and Senior Advisor, Upstream International Operated Business.

Okunbor has also been a key player in the Nigerian energy industry, serving as two-term Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Industry. He received the H.E. Dr Alirio Parra Lifetime Achievement Award in the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry in 2022, among several other honours.

From landmark acquisitions to digital innovation and ESG leadership, Seplat Energy is transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape and setting new standards for Africa’s indigenous operators, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown, told Forbes Africa/Penresa team in an interview.

Following its landmark acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) assets, Seplat Energy is poised to redefine Nigeria’s gas future through a blend of integration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to inclusive national development. “We are absolutely delighted to have completed the MPNU acquisition. It’s a true game-changer for Seplat Energy. The scale of this transaction is simply monumental,” says Brown.

“We’re now active in 11 blocks, eight of which we operate directly.” The acquisition not only doubled Seplat’s reserves but also significantly expanded its footprint and diversified its portfolio across upstream and midstream sectors. “We have seven onshore blocks and four shallow-water offshore blocks. With this acquisition, we formed Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU) and now manage operations that connect seamlessly into three terminals—one offshore and two onshore,” Brown elaborates.

He adds, “This gives us a fully integrated value chain—from the wellhead all the way to export via vessel—with Seplat in full control of operations. Our production has materially increased. We’ve moved from around 50,000 barrels per day to over 120,000 barrels per day. We’re proud to say that our workforce now includes around 1,500 professionals—the vast majority of whom are Nigerians.”

Brown emphasizes that the gas resource in Seplat’s offshore blocks is extraordinary. “While not all of it is currently classified as proven reserves, we estimate the actual volumes are three times what we’re currently reporting. This gas will be instrumental. It will feed into domestic power generation, industrial uses such as fertilizer and petrochemicals, and LNG—both Nigerian LNG and new floating LNG initiatives.”

He adds, “This is a major opportunity for Nigeria as we move into a new phase of energy autonomy. It’s not just about exporting oil and gas anymore; it’s about building domestic capacity that supports job creation, industrialization, and long-term economic resilience.” Seplat’s strategy remains focused on meeting Nigeria’s specific energy needs.

“You must tailor your energy strategy to where you operate. Nigeria has one of the lowest levels of energy access globally. Affordable, reliable energy is essential for economic development, job creation, manufacturing, education, and healthcare,” says Brown. “Gas is the answer for Nigeria’s base load electricity. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.”

He continues, “By the end of this year, we’ll have three operational gas processing plants onshore. Strategically, these are located to serve high-demand areas such as Lagos and Abuja. Together with our offshore acquisition, we’ll soon be capable of processing one billion cubic feet of gas per day. This expanded gas capacity will lower electricity costs and displace expensive and polluting diesel generators.”

While gas remains foundational, Seplat is already thinking ahead. “We do have ambitions in renewables and electricity generation,” Brown notes. “But for now, the biggest opportunities—and the greatest needs—lie in upstream oil and gas and midstream gas processing. At some point, when the time is right, we will take further steps into the electricity space.” The company’s long-term roadmap includes expanding modular solutions that can bring power closer to off-grid communities. “We’re exploring modular gas-to-power systems that can be deployed in rural areas. These will play a key role in solving last-mile electricity access problems,” he says.

Technology is central to Seplat’s strategy—both for operational excellence and for reducing environmental impact. “We’re aggressively moving to end routine flaring—some years ahead of Nigeria’s national target of 2030,” Brown states. “We’ve committed to ending flaring in our onshore operations this year, and we’re working on a roadmap for our offshore assets.”

“We’re deploying AI to monitor the integrity of aging infrastructure. Predictive maintenance now guides our operations. We’re also using better drilling technologies, data analytics for seismic analysis, and digital twins for real-time monitoring. Our technology team is continuously scouting and deploying tools that improve efficiency and reduce our carbon footprint.”

The adoption of these tools, he says, is part of building a smarter, safer, and more future-resilient Seplat. “This is about creating a culture of continuous innovation—about using the best available tools to optimize performance while keeping people and the environment safe.” Seplat is also investing in people, recognizing that long[1]term sustainability starts with human capital. “We just onboarded 50 new graduates through our graduate trainee program—out of over 10,000 applicants,” Brown shares.

“The talent in Nigeria is remarkable. We want to give them reasons to stay and thrive here.” This investment in human capital extends into partnerships with educational institutions and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) programs.

“We’re working with universities to help shape curricula that are aligned with the skills we need in the energy industry,” Brown explains. “It’s not just about hiring—it’s about helping to develop the next generation of Nigerian engineers, geoscientists, economists and tech innovators, among others.”

Strong governance and a commitment to transparency underpin the company’s role in Nigeria’s transformation. “President Bola Tinubu has made clear that attracting foreign direct investment is a national priority. The process we went through with the MPNU acquisition was incredibly detailed and transparent. That’s the kind of diligence international investors expect.” Brown notes the institutional progress being made.

“Two of our board members are now part of NNPCL’s board. These are top-tier professionals—a clear signal that Nigeria is serious about transforming the energy sector. You simply cannot ignore Nigeria—a population of over 200 million heading toward 400 million. By 2050, one in four people on the planet will be African. Nigeria will be central to that story.”

He stresses the global significance of what is happening now. “This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria and the region. The global energy transition will not look the same everywhere. For Africa, and for Nigeria specifically, gas is our bridge fuel. And companies like Seplat are showing that indigenous players can lead the way.” Seplat also continues to deepen its impact through community investment and local partnerships. “Our approach is holistic— from scholarships and education support to healthcare outreach and economic empowerment,” he says.

“Our procurement policies prioritize indigenous businesses. We want value to stay in Nigeria, to strengthen the local economy and create jobs across the value chain.” Through its healthcare outreach, Seplat has touched thousands of lives across rural communities with free medical services, maternal health programs, and awareness campaigns. These programs are often developed in consultation with local leaders to ensure relevance and impact. “We believe in being a responsible neighbor and a reliable partner. Our goal is to support long-term development that lasts beyond the life of our projects.”

Environmental stewardship is another cornerstone of Seplat’s ESG commitment. Brown notes, “We’re investing not only in flare reduction but also in biodiversity initiatives and conservation programs in the Niger Delta. We understand our responsibility goes far beyond profitability.” He adds, “We’re even exploring the use of renewable energy to power our own operations—a small but symbolic step toward a diversified energy future. Gas is our foundation, but we’re preparing for what comes next.”

Finally, Seplat’s adherence to global standards ensures its long-term sustainability and investor confidence. “We are dual-listed in Lagos and London. We operate to global standards and have robust governance systems. That’s what gives investors confidence,” Brown says. “We’ve seen real reforms. We’ve seen transparency. We’ve seen changes in leadership, especially at NNPCL, that show Nigeria is serious,” he concludes. “Nigeria is open for business, and Seplat is living proof of what’s possible when you lead with belief, strategy, and integrity.” With bold leadership, a clear vision, and deep national roots, Seplat Energy is not just keeping pace with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas—it’s leading the way.

Seplat Energy PLC, leading Nigerian independent energy Company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, says it is committed to leading Nigeria’s indigenous gas revolution, with a strong belief in energy for all, powered by gas, guided by sustainability and driven by Nigerian expertise.

The Managing Director, Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited (SEPNU), Mr. Oladotun Isiaka, gave this assurance at the ongoing Offshore Technology Conference  in Houston, United States whilst speaking on a panel session dubbed ‘Harnessing Nigeria’s Gas Potential for Domestic Utilization and Global Export Market’ organised by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN).  

Isiaka also called for greater collaboration across the gas value chain to turn Nigeria’s gas potential into tangible prosperity.

According to him, Nigeria holds a strategic opportunity to leverage its gas reserves for domestic development and global competitiveness, and Seplat Energy is leading as a Nigerian independent, with strong operational and investment commitments in the domestic gas value chain.

He noted that indigenous leadership, backed by supportive policies and financing models, is critical to Nigeria’s gas sector growth.

On Seplat Energy’s contributions to Nigeria’s gas development, Isiaka said the Company is a leading supplier of processed gas to Nigeria’s domestic market – operating the Oben and Sapele Gas Processing Plant with combined capacity exceeding 300 MMscfd (supplying approximately 30 per cent of gas-fired power generation in-country).

Seplat Energy  is also developing the ANOH Gas Processing Plant – a 300 MMscfd facility expected to come online in 2025 under a joint venture owned equally by Seplat Energy and the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd.

Also, the SEPNU offshore gas has huge potential to develop for both domestic and export markets, with significant reserves close to infrastructure.

Beyond the Company’s focus on promoting clean energy access, its investment in gas development supports Nigeria’s Decade of Gas strategy with investments in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport; Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for clean cooking; and electrification pilots in underserved communities.

The SEPNU MD said: “Nigeria has over 200 Tcf of proven gas reserves; among the top 10 globally. The country stands at an inflection point: use gas to power its population, industrialize, and capture global export value. Seplat Energy believes gas is not just a transition fuel — it is the growth engine for Nigeria’s energy future.

“Gas must displace biomass (used in cooking) and oil-based fuels like diesel (used in power generation sets), which are prevailing energy sources in Nigeria.”

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo,) one of the sponsors of the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum (OLEF) has commended it as a platform for driving change in Nigeria’s energy sector through the discussions that centre on business performance, cost discipline and process simplification.

“This event is special to the Shell brand, not only because of the nostalgia of Oloibiri but the quality of discourse it has enabled in our sector over the years,” SNEPCO Managing Director Ronald Adams said in a goodwill speech delivered by General Manager, Wells and Geosciences Operations Joe Mordi. He said: “We are grateful to the Society of Petroleum Engineers and our host the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for another successful outing.”

Organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council, the Oloibiri Lecture Series and Energy Forum began in 1991, in commemoration of the country’s first commercial oil discovery by Shell at Oloibiri, Bayelsa State, in 1956. Ronald said recent developments in the Upstream and Downstream sectors of the energy industry, including the $5-billion final investment decision by Shell in the Bonga North Deepwater project echoed the sentiments around the first oil discovery.

He noted: “These strides come with a commitment to excellence required of us – for stakeholders, colleagues, our country and indeed, future generations. The theme for this year ‘Driving energy sustainability through technology, policy and supply chain excellence’ reflects this commitment. The future is bright, and we have the opportunity to co-create it.”