Nigeria: Tony Elumelu Named Seplat Energy Chairman Effective January 2027

Seplat Energy Plc has announced key changes to its board and executive management, including a leadership succession plan that will see Mr Tony Elumelu assume the role of Chairman effective January 1, 2027.

In a statement, the company said the changes are aimed at strengthening its growth trajectory while ensuring continuity in strategy and governance.

According to the statement, the current Chief Executive Officer, Mr Roger Brown, will retire from his role and step down as a board director on July 31, 2026.

The board also disclosed that the incumbent Chairman, Senator Udo Udoma, has given notice of his intention to retire on December 31, 2026.

Consequently, the board has confirmed Elumelu as the incoming Chairman.

“The Board has accordingly elected Mr Tony Elumelu as the next Chairman of Seplat Energy, effective January 1, 2027. Mr Elumelu, who joined the Board in January 2026, is the Founder and Chairman of Heirs Holdings, which has a 20.07 per cent shareholding in Seplat Energy,” the statement said.

Heirs Holdings is a diversified investment company with interests across strategic sectors of the African economy, including energy, power, banking, insurance, technology, real estate, hospitality and healthcare.

The company added: “Mr Elumelu has a multi-decade track record of value creation in listed and non-listed entities. He is also a distinguished philanthropist, globally recognised as one of the leading voices on Africa’s transformation and governance agenda.”

Commenting on his appointment, Elumelu said: “I am honoured to succeed Senator Udoma as Chairman in January 2027 and to lead the Board through Seplat Energy’s next phase of growth.

“I firmly believe in the critical role indigenous resources play in the economic transformation of Nigeria and Africa, and Seplat Energy’s culture of execution and governance aligns strongly with my own values.

“I thank Senator Udoma and Roger for their stewardship and look forward to delivering further value for shareholders. I also congratulate Mr Okon on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. His deep industry experience gives me great confidence that Seplat Energy is well positioned for its next chapter of growth.”