Tony Elumelu named incoming chairman of Seplat Energy

Seplat Energy Plc has announced a leadership succession plan that will see billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu become chairman of the energy company effective January 1, 2027.

The company disclosed in a corporate statement that the incumbent chairman, Senator Udo Udoma, had given notice of his intention to retire on December 31, 2026. The board subsequently elected Elumelu as his successor.

Elumelu, who joined the board in January 2026, is the founder and chairman of Heirs Holdings, which holds a 20.07 per cent stake in Seplat Energy. He is known for his track record in value creation across listed and non-listed entities and is a recognised philanthropist and advocate for Africa’s transformation.

The company also announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Roger Brown, will retire from his role and from the board on July 31, 2026. Brown had led Seplat through a period of strategic expansion, including the acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited in 2024.

Effiong Okon has been appointed as the new CEO and executive director, effective August 1, 2026. Okon brings over 35 years of global industry experience and has been with Seplat since 2018, most recently as managing director of ANOH Gas Processing Company, where he oversaw the project’s first gas achievement in January 2026.

Outgoing CEO Brown expressed pride in the company’s growth, while incoming chairman Elumelu said he was honoured to succeed Udoma and lead the board through Seplat’s next phase of growth, adding that indigenous resources play a critical role in Africa’s economic transformation.