Seplat Energy, a prominent Nigerian energy company, has revealed significant changes in its leadership structure with the appointment of Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma as the new Independent Non-Executive Chairman and Mr. Bello Rabiu as the Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, effective April 1, 2024.
These appointments follow the retirement of Mr. Basil Omiyi, the current Chairman, and Dr. Charles Okeahalam, the outgoing Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, on March 31, 2024.
The decision to appoint Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma and Mr. Bello Rabiu was made unanimously by Seplat Energy’s Board of Directors, in accordance with the Nigerian Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020.
These appointments are in line with the Board Succession Forward Plan announced in April 2023, reinforcing Seplat Energy’s commitment to robust corporate governance and the establishment of an independent Board.
Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma: Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma brings a wealth of experience to his new role, boasting an illustrious career as a lawyer and board administrator. He holds a B.A. (Law) degree and a B.C.L. degree in jurisprudence from St. Catherine’s College, Oxford, England. Mr. Udoma founded the renowned Law Firm Udo-Udoma & Belo Osagie in 1983, specializing in Nigerian investment laws, corporate restructuring, and major construction contracts. He has served on several large-sized company boards, including UAC Nigeria Plc and Union Bank Plc, and held public sector positions such as Chairman of the Corporate Affairs Commission and Minister of Budget & National Planning.
Mr. Bello Rabiu: Mr. Bello Rabiu, a seasoned industry professional, holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Mathematical Statistics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, and a Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering from The Imperial College, London, United Kingdom. With over 28 years of service at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Rabiu retired as the Chief Operating Officer/Group Executive Director (COO/GED), Upstream Business Unit. His tenure at NNPC was marked by significant achievements, including overseeing critical upstream projects and contributing to increased national oil production.
Commenting on the appointments, outgoing Chairman Mr. Basil Omiyi stated, “Seplat Energy’s commitment to strong corporate governance remains unwavering and is demonstrated by the recent appointment of Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma and Mr. Bello Rabiu as the new chairman and SINED, respectively. We are confident that under their guidance, Seplat Energy will continue to expand and consolidate its position as Nigeria’s leading energy company and the partner of choice to deliver energy transition for Africa’s largest economy and its rapidly growing population.”
