Elumelu To Chair Seplat As Roger Brown Bows Out After Transformative Six-Year CEO Tenure

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Seplat Energy Plc has announced a major leadership transition that will see businessman and investor Tony Elumelu assume the position of Chairman from January 2027, while long-serving Chief Executive Officer Roger Brown retires after leading the indigenous energy company through a period of significant expansion.

The company disclosed on Tuesday that Brown will retire as CEO and Board Director on July 31, 2026, ending a 13-year career with Seplat, including six years at the helm of the company.

Brown’s tenure was marked by some of the most significant transactions in Seplat’s history, notably the acquisition of Eland Oil and Gas in 2019 and the landmark purchase of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU) in 2024, which substantially expanded the company’s asset base and production capacity.

As part of the succession plan, Seplat’s Board appointed Engr. Effiong Okon as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director with effect from August 1, 2026.

Okon, a veteran of the oil and gas industry with more than 35 years of experience, most recently served as Managing Director of the ANOH Gas Processing Company, where he supervised the project through to first gas production in January 2026.

The company also announced that its Independent Chairman, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, will retire on December 31, 2026, paving the way for Tony Elumelu to take over the board leadership.

Elumelu, Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings and one of Africa’s most prominent investors, joined the Seplat board in January 2026. Through Heirs Holdings, he holds a 20.07 per cent stake in the company.

His elevation to Chairman comes as Seplat positions itself for the next phase of growth following the successful integration of MPNU and the rollout of its 2030 strategic roadmap.

Commenting on his retirement, Brown described his years at Seplat as a privilege, expressing confidence in the company’s future.

“It has been a privilege to serve Seplat Energy since 2013 and to lead the Company as CEO since 2020. I am proud of what we have built together and confident that Seplat is well-positioned for continued growth and long-term value creation,” he said.

Elumelu said he was honoured by the appointment and pledged to support the company’s growth ambitions.

“I am honoured to assume the role of Chairman in January 2027 and to support Seplat’s next phase of growth. I look forward to building on the strong foundations laid by Senator Udoma and Roger Brown,” he stated.

Senator Udoma praised Brown’s contribution to the company, describing his leadership as instrumental to Seplat’s transformation into one of Africa’s leading indigenous energy firms.

Listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, Seplat Energy is Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy company with a diversified portfolio of oil and gas assets across the Niger Delta, as well as major investments in gas processing infrastructure supplying the domestic power generation market.