The ceremonies serve not only as a send-off for Okunbor but also as a tribute to a man widely acknowledged for his transformational impact on Nigeria’s oil and gas sector — particularly in advancing Nigerian content development, deep-water exploration, and Shell’s integrated gas projects in the country.
A Legacy of Leadership and National Contribution
Throughout the evening, dignitaries praised Okunbor’s leadership and vision. His role as a steady hand in the industry was underscored by his empathetic engagement with diverse stakeholders — from host communities to international partners.
Speaking on the transition, Marno de Jong, Shell’s Executive Vice President for Nigeria, who will assume additional responsibilities as Country Chair, said:
“Osagie is a respected leader in Shell and the broader industry whose wise counsel and insights have proved invaluable. Over a career that has lasted nearly 40 years, he has related with a wide range of stakeholders with empathy and excellent relational skills. We will all miss his presence and wish him a most enjoyable retirement.”
In his own remarks, Okunbor reflected on his career with gratitude:
“It has been an honour of a lifetime serving my country on a global platform offered by Shell. The Shell values of Honesty, Integrity, and Respect for people have been useful in my modest contributions.”
A Distinguished Career Across Continents
A graduate of Business Administration from the University of Benin, Okunbor joined Shell in 1986 and went on to hold several high-profile roles across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brunei, and the Netherlands.
Notably, he became Managing Director of the now-defunct Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria in 2015. His other key roles include:
- Vice President, Infrastructure and Logistics, Nigeria
- Vice President, Human Resources, Sub-Saharan Africa
- Senior Advisor, Upstream International Operated Business
Beyond Shell, Okunbor’s influence has also shaped policy and advocacy through his tenure as a two-term Chairman of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Recognitions and Industry Impact
In 2022, Okunbor was honoured with the H.E. Dr Alirio Parra Lifetime Achievement Award — one of the Nigerian oil and gas industry’s most prestigious recognitions. His retirement leaves behind a legacy of integrity, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s energy landscape.
As Shell Nigeria prepares for a new chapter under Marno de Jong’s leadership, Okunbor’s decades of service will remain a benchmark of excellence within both the company and the wider oil and gas sector.