By Christie U. Omonigho
It was all fanfare and encomiums as Shell Nigeria Osagie Okunbor retires as Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, having served meritoriously for 39 good years.
This departure followed a series of farewell events in Abuja which attracted industry stakeholders including government officials, regulators as well as top executives from both indigenous and international oil firms. The ceremonies were not just about and drinking but more about throwing light on Okunbor’s enduring contributions to growing the country’s energy sector, particularly in strengthening Nigerian content and championing Shell’s deep-water and integrated gas investments in Nigeria.
Shell’s Executive Vice President for Nigeria, Marno de Jong, who steps in as successor extolled Okunbor for his legacy of unparalleled leadership.
Marno de Jong was quoted to have said: “Osagie is a respected leader in Shell and across the industry. His wisdom, empathy, and ability to relate with diverse stakeholders—from grassroots communities to global executives—have left a lasting impression. We will all miss his presence and wish him a fulfilling retirement.”
Okunbor also remarked, reflecting on his journey and career as a lifelong honour.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve Nigeria through the global platform that Shell offers. The company’s values—Honesty, Integrity, and Respect for People—have guided my efforts in making a modest contribution to the sector.”
Okunbor, a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Benin, joined Shell in 1986. His career has spanned postings in Nigeria, the UK, Brunei, and the Netherlands. In 2015, he was appointed Managing Director of the now-defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and simultaneously served as Country Chair.
He has over the years held several strategic positions including Vice President, Infrastructure and Logistics in Nigeria; Vice President, Human Resources for Sub-Saharan Africa; and Senior Advisor for Upstream International Operated Business.
Besides Shell, Okunbor made substantial contributions to Nigeria’s energy policy and corporate leadership. He served two terms as Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) under the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In 2022, he received the H.E. Dr. Alirio Parra Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his impact on the Nigerian oil and gas sector.