Seplat Energy has announced a leadership transition that will see Effiong Okon take over as chief executive officer following the retirement of Roger Brown on 31 July.
Brown, who has spent 13 years with the Nigeria-focused energy company and served as chief executive for the past six years, will step down as part of a planned succession process. During his tenure, he oversaw a period of significant growth, including Seplat’s acquisitions of Eland Oil & Gas and Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), the latter of which was completed in 2024 after a lengthy regulatory process.
Okon brings more than 35 years of experience in the oil and gas industry and is widely regarded as one of Seplat’s most experienced executives. Over the years, he has held several senior leadership positions within the company, including operations director and new energy director. Most recently, he served as managing director of Anoh Gas Processing Company, a Seplat subsidiary.
Commenting on the transition, Brown said he was confident the company was well positioned for future growth and long-term value creation under its next generation of leadership.
The changes extend beyond the executive suite. Chairman Udoma Udo Udoma will retire from the board on 31 December and will be succeeded by Tony Elumelu, who joined the board in January 2026.
Elumelu is the founder and chairman of Heirs Holdings, which owns a 20.07% stake in Seplat, making it one of the company’s largest shareholders.
Seplat remains one of Nigeria’s leading independent energy companies, with operations spanning onshore and shallow-water assets. Its portfolio includes 16 production licences and 17 exploration licences, alongside key export infrastructure such as the Qua Iboe, Yoho and Bonny River terminals.
The company also operates natural gas liquids recovery facilities at Oso and East Area, as well as gas processing plants at Oben, Sapele and Anoh, reinforcing its position as a major player in Nigeria’s gas and energy sector.
The leadership changes come as Seplat continues to pursue growth opportunities across its oil and gas business while expanding its role in the country’s energy transition efforts.
