Ibeno Welcomes New Seplat Energy CEO, Seeks Stronger Host Community Relations

The Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council has congratulated Engr. Effiong Okon, FNSE, FEI, on his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Seplat Energy Plc, describing his emergence as a significant development for Ibeno and Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking at his palace, the Paramount Ruler of Ibeno, Akwaha Owong (Prof.) Effiong Archianga, said Engr. Okon’s appointment was important to the people of Ibeno, especially as he is an illustrious son of Akwa Ibom State now leading the company that acquired major oil and gas assets formerly operated by ExxonMobil, including the Qua Iboe Terminal in Ibeno Local Government Area.

The Paramount Ruler noted that Seplat Energy’s acquisition of the former ExxonMobil/MPNU assets has made the company an important corporate partner in Ibeno. He said Engr. Okon’s emergence provides an opportunity to begin a new chapter in the relationship between Seplat Energy and Ibeno LGA, its host community in Akwa Ibom State.

He urged the Seplat Energy chief executive to make host community relations a major priority of his administration, stressing that sustainable oil and gas operations require mutual trust, respect, transparency and meaningful engagement with host communities.

The Paramount Ruler called for stronger engagement with traditional institutions and community leaders in Ibeno, increased employment and training opportunities for qualified indigenes, sustainable community development programmes, effective grievance-resolution mechanisms and full compliance with statutory obligations to host communities.

He also stressed that host communities should not be seen merely as locations where oil and gas operations take place, but as key stakeholders and partners in the sustainable development of the industry.

The Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council expressed confidence that Engr. Okon’s extensive technical and managerial experience, combined with his Akwa Ibom roots, places him in a unique position to understand the expectations of the people and build a stronger relationship between Seplat Energy and Ibeno LGA.

The Seplat Energy Board appointed Engr. Okon as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director in June 2026. He assumed office on August 1, 2026, succeeding Roger Brown.

Okon began his career in 1992 when he joined Shell as a Petroleum Reservoir Engineer. During his 26-year career with the multinational company, he held several senior technical and executive positions in Nigeria, Africa, Europe, the United States and the Middle East.

His experience covers reservoir management, field development, offshore and deep-water operations, project execution, production, asset optimisation, operational excellence and organisational transformation.

Okon joined Seplat Energy in 2018 as Executive Director, Operations, where he was responsible for operational performance and led initiatives aimed at improving production efficiency, asset reliability and safety.

In July 2022, he became Director of New Energy, where he played a role in expanding Seplat Energy’s midstream gas and power businesses and advancing the company’s energy-transition strategy.

He was later appointed Managing Director of ANOH Gas Processing Company Limited (AGPC), a joint venture between Seplat Energy and NNPC Limited.

Under his leadership, the 300 million standard cubic feet per day ANOH Gas Processing Plant achieved first gas in January 2026, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s domestic gas development.

The Ibeno Traditional Rulers Council said it looked forward to a new era of cooperation, mutual respect and development between Seplat Energy and the people of Ibeno.

By Lovina Emole

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