After nearly four decades of distinguished service, Osagie Okunbor, the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, is retiring this June 2025.
His departure marks the end of a transformative era for Shell Nigeria, where he played a key role in shaping the country’s energy sector and advancing Nigerian content in oil and gas operations.
The announcement was made in a statement by Gladys Afam-Anadu, Communications Manager for Shell Nigeria, during a pre-retirement event held in Abuja, which drew high-level stakeholders, regulators, and oil industry executives both local and international.
Okunbor’s retirement closes a 39-year chapter with Shell that began in 1986, following his graduation from the University of Benin. Over the years, he served in various strategic roles across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brunei, and the Netherlands.
He was appointed Country Chair and Managing Director of SPDC in 2015. Prior to this, he held positions including:
- Vice President, Infrastructure and Logistics, Nigeria
- Vice President, Human Resources, Sub-Saharan Africa
- Senior Advisor, Upstream International Operated Business
Okunbor also served two terms as Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) under the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Among his numerous accolades, he received the Dr. Alirio Parra Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 for his contributions to Nigeria’s energy industry.
Marno de Jong to Assume Dual Role
Marno de Jong, currently the Executive Vice President of Nigeria, will take on additional responsibilities as the new Country Chair for Shell Companies in Nigeria.
In his tribute, de Jong praised Okunbor’s leadership, noting:
“Osagie is a respected leader in Shell and the broader industry whose wise counsel and insights have proved invaluable. Over a career that has lasted nearly 40 years, he has engaged a wide range of stakeholders with empathy and excellent relational skills. We will all miss his presence and wish him a most enjoyable retirement.”
Okunbor, in his farewell remark, expressed pride in his journey:
“It has been an honour of a lifetime serving my country on a global platform offered by Shell. The Shell values of Honesty, Integrity, and Respect for people have guided my contributions.”
Shell’s Strategic Shift in Nigeria
Okunbor’s retirement comes just months after Shell announced the sale of SPDC to Renaissance, a consortium that now holds the company’s 30% stake in the SPDC Joint Venture. This move is part of Shell’s broader strategy to exit onshore oil operations in Nigeria’s Niger Delta and refocus investment on deepwater and gas portfolios.
The SPDC JV now consists of:
- Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) – 55%
- Total E&P Nigeria – 10%
- Agip Energy and Natural Resources – 5%
- Renaissance – 30%
What It Means for Nigeria
Osagie Okunbor leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and national service, having contributed significantly to Shell’s local and international positioning. His successor, Marno de Jong, will now lead Shell’s evolving presence in Nigeria amid its shift toward cleaner energy and more sustainable investments.
As Shell moves into a new chapter, the impact of Okunbor’s leadership and the continuity provided by de Jong will be closely watched by stakeholders across Nigeria’s energy landscape.
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