UBA’s Tony Elumelu takes over Seplat Energy as chairman
Tony Elumelu to Chair Seplat Energy from 2027
Tony Elumelu, the chairman of United Bank for Africa, has been appointed as the chairman of Seplat Energy, effective January 1, 2027. He will succeed current chairman, Udoma Udoma, as part of a structured succession plan intended to ensure governance continuity and support the company’s long-term growth strategy outlined in its Roadmap 2030 agenda.
In a significant leadership transition, existing Chief Executive Officer Roger Brown will retire on July 31, 2026, concluding a 13-year tenure at Seplat, which includes six years in the CEO role. Under Brown’s leadership, Seplat has enhanced its operations, pursued major acquisitions, and solidified its status as one of Africa’s leading independent energy companies.
Effiong Okon, a veteran in the oil and gas industry with over 35 years of experience, will take over as CEO starting August 1, 2026. The company highlighted Okon’s appointment as a strategic move to ensure operational continuity and stability.
Elumelu’s leadership is anticipated to further Seplat’s ambitions in the upstream and gas sectors, as well as its involvement in Nigeria’s energy transition efforts. Elumelu recently acquired a 20.07% stake in Seplat through a transaction valued at $496 million.
In a statement, Elumelu expressed his commitment to leading Seplat into its next growth phase, emphasizing alignment between the company’s governance and his values. He pledged to enhance value for both shareholders and stakeholders moving forward.
