•Okon
Engr. Effiong Okon is one of Nigeria’s most accomplished energy industry professionals, with more than three decades of experience spanning engineering, offshore operations, project management, business transformation, and energy transition.
His appointment as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, effective August 1, 2026, marks a significant milestone in a career that has seen him rise from a young petroleum engineer to one of the most respected executives in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, reports The Nation.
Having built a successful career at Shell before joining Seplat Energy, Okon has earned recognition for his technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and ability to drive operational excellence across complex energy projects.
He is also regarded as a key figure in advancing Nigeria’s gas development ambitions and supporting the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
Here are the key facts you should know about him:
1. He studied Engineering at the University of Benin
Effiong Okon is a graduate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), where he obtained his engineering education and laid the foundation for a successful career in the energy industry.
2. He attended prestigious international business schools
Beyond his engineering training, Okon enhanced his leadership and management skills through executive education at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
3. He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers
His professional accomplishments have earned him fellowship status in the Nigerian Society of Engineers. He is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, a globally recognised professional body for petroleum industry practitioners.
4. He began his career with Shell in 1992
Okon’s professional journey started at Shell as a Petroleum Reservoir Engineer. The role introduced him to reservoir management, production optimisation, and field development activities.
5. He spent more than 20 years at Shell
During his time at Shell, he held several senior positions and built extensive experience across Nigeria and international operations.
6. He held top leadership roles at Shell
His positions included Chief Reservoir Engineer, General Manager Offshore Assets, General Manager Deepwater Production, Deputy Vice President Technical, and Vice President for Cost Leadership and Continuous Improvement.
These roles placed him in charge of major offshore and deepwater assets, large engineering teams, and multi-billion-dollar operational portfolios.
7. He gained global industry experience
Throughout his Shell career, Okon worked across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, managing complex projects and contributing to operational improvements across different regions.
8. He joined Seplat Energy in 2018
After a distinguished career at Shell, he moved to Seplat Energy as Executive Director, Operations, where he oversaw production delivery, operational performance, asset integrity, and safety management.
9. He drove operational transformation at Seplat
In his operations role, he championed initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, strengthening production reliability, enhancing safety standards, and reducing operational costs.
10. He became Director of New Energy in 2022
As Director of New Energy, Okon led Seplat’s efforts to expand its gas business and pursue cleaner energy opportunities.
His portfolio covered gas-to-power projects, LNG, LPG, renewable energy initiatives, and the company’s broader decarbonisation strategy.
11. He currently leads the ANOH Gas Processing Company
Before his appointment as CEO, Okon served as Managing Director of the ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC), a joint venture between Seplat Energy and NNPC Limited.
12. He oversees one of Nigeria’s major gas infrastructure projects
As Managing Director of AGPC, he has been responsible for the development of the ANOH Gas Plant, a facility designed to process about 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to support domestic energy supply and industrial growth.
13. He is regarded as a champion of Nigeria’s gas future
Much of Okon’s recent work has focused on expanding gas utilisation, improving energy access, supporting industrial development, and advancing lower-carbon energy solutions.
14. He is known for combining technical expertise with strategic leadership
Industry observers often describe him as a leader who balances engineering excellence with strong business and management capabilities.
15. He is now set to lead Seplat Energy
With over 30 years of industry experience, global exposure, and a track record of delivering major projects, Effiong Okon will take over as Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy on August 1, 2026.
His appointment comes at a crucial time as the company expands its gas business, strengthens its position in Nigeria’s energy sector, and pursues long-term growth opportunities in an evolving global energy landscape.
From a University of Benin engineering graduate to the incoming CEO of one of Africa’s leading indigenous energy companies, Effiong Okon’s career reflects decades of technical excellence, leadership development, and commitment to advancing the energy industry.
