Africa’s leading gender equity advocate in the energy industry, the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), has congratulated one of its distinguished Board of Trustees members and prominent professionals, Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, on her appointment as Executive Vice President and Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, making her the first Nigerian to occupy the combined leadership position in the global energy major’s operations in the country.
Describing the appointment as a landmark achievement, WIEN said in a statement that it represents a proud moment for Nigeria’s energy industry and a fitting recognition of Mrs. Aiboni’s exceptional professionalism, technical expertise, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence cultivated over more than two decades of service within the Shell Group.
According to the organisation, Mrs. Aiboni has consistently exemplified the belief that professionalism, performance and excellence are not defined or constrained by gender.
“As a respected member of WIEN, she has remained a strong symbol of the immense capabilities and value women bring to leadership and technical roles across the energy value chain,” WIEN added.
It noted that her emergence as the first Nigerian Executive Vice President and Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria is not only a personal accomplishment but also a defining milestone for women in the industry and a reaffirmation that competence, dedication and integrity remain the enduring foundations of leadership at the highest level.
The network observed that Mrs. Aiboni’s appointment comes at a critical period for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry as it adapts to evolving global energy realities, pursues greater operational efficiency and seeks to attract fresh investments.
It added that her extensive experience spanning onshore, shallow-water and deepwater operations, complemented by international assignments and a proven track record in production optimisation and asset management, uniquely positions her to provide the strategic leadership required to guide Shell’s Nigerian operations into a new phase of growth and sustainability.
Speaking on the development, President of WIEN, Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, described the appointment as a victory for merit, inclusion and the increasing recognition of Nigerian professionals in global leadership positions.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and the entire membership of the Women in Energy Network, we warmly congratulate our esteemed member, Mrs. Elohor Aiboni, on this historic appointment.
“She has distinguished herself as an accomplished professional and an inspiring leader whose contributions to the energy industry and commitment to mentoring younger women professionals embody the ideals that WIEN stands for.
“Her appointment is a source of immense pride to our network and a powerful inspiration to countless young women who aspire to build successful careers in the energy sector. It demonstrates that barriers can be broken and that excellence and competence will always find expression.
“We are confident that she will bring her wealth of experience, strategic insight and exemplary leadership to bear in her new role and further strengthen Shell’s contribution to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development,” she said.
WIEN further stated that Mrs. Aiboni’s elevation underscores the growing importance of diversity and inclusive leadership in driving innovation, resilience and sustainable growth across the energy industry.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a robust ecosystem that supports women professionals through mentorship, capacity development, advocacy and strategic partnerships, while continuing to champion greater participation of women in leadership and technical positions throughout the sector.
“Once again, we congratulate Mrs. Elohor Aiboni on this well-deserved and historic achievement and wish her every success as she assumes this important responsibility,” WIEN said.
The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) is Nigeria’s foremost professional platform for women in the energy industry, dedicated to promoting leadership, diversity, capacity development and sustainable growth across the entire energy value chain.
