Tony Elumelu Named Seplat Chairman, Okon Replaces Roger Brown

Kayode Tokede  

The board and management of Seplat Energy Plc announced yesterday that Mr. Tony Elumelu will become the company’s next Chairman, effective January 1 , 2027.

Elumelu, who joined the board in January 2026, is the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, which holds a 20.07 percent stake in Seplat Energy.

He will succeed former Chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, who has notified the board of his intention to retire on December 31 , 2026.

Senator Udoma joined the board in December 2023 and was appointed Independent Chairman in April 2024. Since taking the role, he has worked closely with the board and management to oversee the successful integration of MPNU and to outline the company’s 2030 strategic plan.

In related news, Mr. Roger Brown will retire as Chief Executive Officer and as a board director on July 31 , 2026. He has steered the company through a period of significant strategic expansion and transformation, including the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU).

Under Brown’s leadership, Seplat Energy has established itself as one of Africa’s leading independent energy companies, with a robust pipeline of organic growth projects.

The board has appointed Engr. Effiong Okon as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, effective August 1 , 2026. Okon, an accomplished leader with more than 35 years of global industry experience, brings a strong record of operational excellence and strategic execution.

Incoming Chairman Tony Elumelu said: “I am honoured to succeed Senator Udoma as Chairman in January 2027 and to lead the board through Seplat Energy’s next phase of growth.”

“I firmly believe in the critical role of indigenous resources in the economic transformation of Nigeria and Africa, and Seplat Energy’s culture of execution and governance aligns strongly with my own values. I thank Senator Udoma and Roger for their stewardship and look forward to delivering further value for shareholders.”

“I also congratulate Mr. Okon on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. His deep industry experience gives me great confidence that Seplat Energy is well positioned for its next chapter of growth.”

Outgoing Chief Executive Officer Roger Brown said: “It has been the greatest pleasure to be part of Seplat Energy’s growth since joining in 2013 as CFO and leading the company as CEO since August 2020.”

“I am immensely proud that we have built a company that is now synonymous with financial resilience, balanced capital allocation, strong corporate governance and shareholder reward.”

“The company is a strong and reliable partner to the government and is well placed to support Nigeria in its ambitious growth targets. I want to personally thank the board, management and the entire workforce for all the support they have given me over the years, and I look forward to watching the company grow from strength to strength.”

Outgoing Chairman Senator Udoma Udo Udoma said: “On behalf of the entire company, I wish to express our sincerest thanks to Roger for his exceptional contribution to the development of Seplat Energy into a leading African independent energy company.”

“His legacy was cemented in the transformational acquisition of MPNU in 2024 and in the Roadmap 2030 strategy that we set out in 2025.”

“Roger has been ever present in Seplat Energy’s journey and, under his leadership, the company has materially outperformed the sector and delivered exceptional returns to shareholders. He leaves us well‑placed to continue to deliver for all our stakeholders. I would also like to welcome Mr. Okon as our incoming CEO. He has extensive operational experience that will support our ambitious growth aspirations.”

Incoming Chief Executive Officer Effiong Okon said: “I am delighted to be taking on this appointment at an important juncture. My immediate focus will be on ensuring the company executes the 2030 Roadmap, alongside development of the long‑term plan to ensure we deliver on the immense potential inherent in our portfolio.”