Shell Nigeria is marking the retirement of Osagie Okunbor, its outgoing Country Chair, with a series of high-level celebrations in recognition of his nearly four decades of service to the company and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The farewell events kicked off on Monday night in Abuja (June 24), drawing key figures from government, regulatory agencies, and both indigenous and multinational oil companies.
The industry stakeholders paid glowing tributes to Okunbor’s leadership, particularly his role in promoting Nigerian content and steering Shell’s strategic investments in deep-water exploration and integrated gas.
Shell’s Executive Vice President for Nigeria, Marno de Jong, who will now assume the role of Country Chair alongside his current responsibilities, praised Okunbor as a distinguished figure within Shell and across the sector.
“Osagie is a respected leader in Shell and the broader industry whose wise counsel and insights have proved invaluable. His ability to connect with stakeholders—from grassroots communities to boardrooms—sets him apart,” de Jong said.
Okunbor, a Business Administration graduate from the University of Benin, joined Shell in 1986 and went on to serve in several countries including the United Kingdom, Brunei, and the Netherlands.
He held various executive roles including Vice President of Infrastructure and Logistics in Nigeria, Vice President of Human Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa, and Senior Advisor in Shell’s Upstream International business.
He was appointed Managing Director of the now-defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria in 2015.
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Reflecting on his career, Okunbor said: “It has been the honour of a lifetime serving my country on a global platform offered by Shell. The company’s values—honesty, integrity, and respect for people—have guided me in all my contributions.”
Beyond corporate leadership, Okunbor played a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s energy landscape.
He served two terms as Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) under the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was instrumental in industry advocacy and policy dialogue.
His contributions were formally recognised in 2022 with the H.E. Dr. Alirio Parra Lifetime Achievement Award at the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Awards.
As Okunbor exits the scene, industry peers have commended him not only for his professional achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to Nigerian development and local capacity building within the energy sector.
Further ceremonies in his honour are expected to continue this week in Lagos and Port Harcourt.