Shell has announced the appointment of Ronald Adams as the new Managing Director of its Nigerian deep-water subsidiary, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo). This announcement was made by Gladys Afam-Anadu, Shell Nigeria’s Media Relations Manager. Adams, who previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic LNG in Trinidad and Tobago, is taking over from Elohor Aiboni. Aiboni has transitioned to an international assignment as Asset Director for Brunei Shell Petroleum. The changes are effective from October 1, as highlighted in the company’s statement.
Country Chair for Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, expressed his enthusiasm for Ronald Adams’s arrival, stating that he aims to consolidate and enhance SNEPCo’s excellent performance in deep-water production, while also contributing to impactful social investments in Nigeria. Okunbor also acknowledged Elohor Aiboni’s significant contributions since she took over the role in August 2021, wishing her well in her new position in Brunei. This leadership change signifies Shell’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices and operational excellence in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Ronald Adams brings over three decades of experience in the energy industry, having navigated various commercial and technical challenges in both Shell-operated and non-operated ventures. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of the West Indies and an MBA in Strategic Planning from Herriot-Watt University in Scotland. His experience positions him well to lead SNEPCo, and he expressed excitement about contributing to the company’s ongoing success and collaborating with its talented team to deliver greater value to stakeholders.
Elohor Aiboni reflected on her tenure as Managing Director, conveying gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with her colleagues and external stakeholders in building a resilient and efficient business focused on deep-water operations in Nigeria. She emphasized the importance of collective efforts in achieving safety and cost discipline. Aiboni’s leadership was marked by significant strides in operational safety and efficiency, contributing to SNEPCo’s reputation as a leader in deep-water energy production.
SNEPCo is notable for pioneering deep-water exploration in Nigeria, initiated in 2005 with the start of production at the Bonga field. This groundbreaking project involved the deployment of the Bonga Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading vessel, which has a capacity of 225,000 barrels per day and is situated 120 kilometers offshore in the Gulf of Guinea. Under Adams’s leadership, SNEPCo aims to build on this legacy, focusing on expanding its production and investment strategies while fostering community development through various local initiatives.
In summary, Ronald Adams’s appointment as Managing Director of SNEPCo marks a new chapter for Shell’s operations in Nigeria’s deep-water sector. With a strong foundation laid by his predecessor, Aiboni, and an emphasis on enhancing operational efficiency and social impact, Adams is well-positioned to guide the company towards greater achievements in resource management and community engagement, ultimately reinforcing Shell’s commitment to sustainable energy practices in the region.
