From shell veteran to Seplat CEO: The journey of Effiong Okon

Engr. Effiong Udofia Okon has built a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished energy industry professionals, with a career spanning more than three decades across petroleum engineering, production operations, project delivery, business transformation, gas development, and energy transition initiatives.

His appointment as the incoming Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, effective August 1, 2026, marks the latest chapter in a distinguished professional journey that has seen him rise from an entry-level reservoir engineer to one of the most respected executives in Africa’s oil and gas sector.

Academic background

Born in Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria, Okon received his university education at the University of Benin, where he laid the foundation for a career that would eventually take him across several continents.

Determined to broaden his leadership capabilities beyond technical expertise, he attended executive development programmes at IMD Business School in Lausanne, Switzerland, and Harvard Business School in Boston, United States.

Over the years, he has earned recognition within the engineering profession, becoming a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE).

He is also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), reflecting his commitment to professional excellence and industry standards.

Beyond his executive responsibilities, Okon serves on the boards of various public and private organisations, contributing to corporate governance, strategic planning, and business growth.

Building a career at Shell

Okon began his professional career in 1992 when he joined Shell as a Reservoir Engineer.

What followed was a remarkable 26-year career with the multinational energy giant, during which he occupied numerous technical and leadership positions across Nigeria, Europe, the Middle East, and other international locations.

His responsibilities expanded steadily as he gained expertise in reservoir management, petroleum engineering, offshore operations, deepwater production, field development, project execution, and operational improvement.

Throughout his years at Shell, he held several high-profile positions, including Chief Reservoir Engineer, General Manager of Offshore Assets, General Manager of Deepwater Production, and Vice President for Cost Leadership and Continuous Improvement at Royal Dutch Shell in the Netherlands.

These assignments exposed him to some of the industry’s most complex projects and strengthened his reputation as a leader capable of managing large teams and delivering results in challenging operating environments.

Landmark contributions in Qatar

A defining phase of Okon’s career came during his assignments in Qatar, where he played significant roles in some of the world’s largest energy projects.

As Manager of North Field Wells and Reservoir, he worked on the North Field, widely recognised as the world’s largest natural gas field.

He later served as Deputy Vice President Technical for Qatar Shell, further expanding his influence within the company’s operations.

During this period, he was involved in the commissioning, startup, and early production phases of major energy developments valued at approximately $25 billion.

These projects included the globally recognised Pearl Gas-to-Liquids project and Qatar Gas LNG Trains 7 and 8.

His successful contributions to these projects enhanced his standing as an executive capable of overseeing large-scale energy investments while maintaining operational efficiency and technical excellence.

Transition to Seplat energy

After leaving Shell in 2018, Okon joined Seplat Energy as Executive Director and Operations Director.

In this role, he became responsible for overseeing the company’s operational activities, driving efficiency improvements, enhancing safety performance, and strengthening production reliability across its assets.

His experience and leadership helped position Seplat for continued growth in Nigeria’s highly competitive energy sector, while reinforcing the company’s commitment to operational excellence.

Driving the energy transition agenda

Recognising the growing importance of cleaner energy solutions, Seplat appointed Okon as Director of New Energy in July 2022.

The role placed him at the centre of the company’s efforts to diversify beyond traditional oil and gas operations by expanding gas-based power generation and renewable energy initiatives.

His mandate included developing cleaner energy solutions that could help reduce reliance on diesel and petrol-powered electricity while supporting Nigeria’s broader energy transition objectives.

Under his leadership, the company intensified efforts to promote natural gas as a transition fuel capable of improving energy access while reducing environmental impact.

Leadership of ANOH gas processing company

In May 2024, Okon was appointed Managing Director of ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited, a joint venture involving NNPC Limited and Seplat Energy.

The company oversees one of Nigeria’s most important gas infrastructure projects, designed to increase domestic gas processing capacity and support industrial growth through improved energy availability.

His leadership at ANOH has further demonstrated his ability to manage complex projects spanning both upstream and midstream operations, while contributing to Nigeria’s long-term energy security goals.

Family

Away from the boardroom and operational sites, Okon is a devoted family man. He is married to Bertha Mary Okon, and together they have four children.

A career defined by experience

With more than 32 years in the energy industry, Okon possesses experience that cuts across nearly every major segment of oil and gas operations.

His expertise covers reservoir engineering, petroleum production, exploration activities, project development, offshore and onshore asset management, commissioning and startup operations, business transformation, operational excellence, cost optimisation, gas infrastructure development, renewable energy projects, and strategic leadership.

His career has taken him across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, giving him valuable international exposure and experience working in diverse business environments and multicultural teams.

As he prepares to assume the position of Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, he brings with him decades of technical expertise, global industry experience, and strategic leadership.