Seplat Energy Plc, a prominent indigenous energy company, has announced the appointments of Saidu Aliyu Mohammed and Larry Ettah as independent non-executive directors. These strategic additions to its board become effective from January 1, 2026, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its corporate governance framework and enhance board oversight. The disclosure, officially signed by company secretary Edith Onwuchekwa, confirms these key changes.

The appointments follow the resignations of Bello Rabiu and Babs Omotowa in April, both of whom departed the Seplat board after receiving appointments to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited board by President Bola Tinubu. Seplat stated that the selection of Mr. Mohammed and Mr. Ettah was a direct outcome of its robust board succession planning process, designed to promptly fill the vacancies created by these high-profile exits. This proactive approach underscores Seplat’s commitment to maintaining a full and effective board composition.

Saidu Aliyu Mohammed brings extensive experience to Seplat’s board, particularly within Nigeria’s critical oil and gas sector. With over 37 years dedicated to the industry, his expertise spans natural gas development, commercialisation strategies, and crucial infrastructure projects. His deep understanding of the energy landscape is expected to be invaluable as Seplat navigates its strategic objectives in a dynamic market.

Mr. Mohammed previously held significant leadership roles at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), including Group Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for Gas and Power. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in shaping national gas policies and regulatory frameworks. These contributions include instrumental involvement in the development of Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan, the Gas Network Code, and various critical aspects of the Petroleum Industry Act, which reshaped the sector.

His operational impact extended to the delivery of several landmark gas infrastructure projects vital to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development. These include the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, the ambitious Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano gas pipeline, and a central role in the Nigeria LNG Train 7 project. Furthermore, Mr. Mohammed has served as managing director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and the Nigerian Gas Company, and chaired the boards of various strategic gas and energy firms, demonstrating a broad spectrum of leadership.

Larry Ettah joins the Seplat board as a veteran business leader, contributing nearly four decades of comprehensive corporate experience across diverse sectors. His distinguished career is marked by significant leadership positions and a proven track record in driving strategic growth and corporate transformation. This broad expertise will complement the industry-specific knowledge of his fellow appointees.

Mr. Ettah spent three decades at UAC of Nigeria Plc, a diversified conglomerate, where he ascended through the ranks to become Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. He held this top executive position from 2007 to 2018, overseeing a period of significant change and strategic repositioning for the company. His leadership during this era was critical in shaping UAC’s modern trajectory.

During his tenure as GMD/CEO, Mr. Ettah spearheaded major restructuring efforts designed to optimize UAC’s portfolio and enhance operational efficiency. He was also instrumental in forging strategic partnerships with global companies and executing key acquisitions that effectively repositioned the conglomerate for sustained long-term growth and increased market competitiveness. His vision helped to modernize and diversify the company’s interests.

Following his retirement from UAC, Mr. Ettah established Barracuda Capital Partners in 2018, an investment and advisory firm where he currently serves as Executive Chairman. His entrepreneurial venture continues to leverage his extensive business acumen. He also holds non-executive directorships on several other prominent boards, including as a founding director of Coronation Merchant Bank and a non-executive director of Mixta Africa, providing strategic guidance across various industries.

Commenting on the new appointments, Seplat’s chairman, Mr. Udoma Udoma, expressed enthusiasm for the enhanced capabilities these directors bring. He stated that Mr. Mohammed and Mr. Ettah possess “complementary strengths” that will significantly benefit the board, combining deep industry-specific expertise with robust general business leadership. Mr. Udoma added that the company eagerly anticipates their contributions as it vigorously pursues its strategic growth objectives, both domestically and potentially internationally.

Seplat Energy Plc remains a pivotal player in Nigeria’s energy landscape, recognized as one of the nation’s leading indigenous energy companies. Its operational footprint is extensive, encompassing exploration, development, and production activities across oil, gas, and power generation. The company is committed to maximizing value from its assets while contributing to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development, positioning itself for future expansion.

These appointments underscore Seplat Energy’s dedication to maintaining a high standard of corporate governance and strategic leadership. By integrating such experienced professionals, the company aims to fortify its decision-making processes and enhance its capacity to navigate complex market challenges and opportunities. This move reinforces Seplat’s strategic vision for sustainable growth and its commitment to delivering long-term value for its stakeholders in the evolving global energy transition.

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Keywords: Seplat Energy, Independent Non-Executive Directors, Nigerian oil and gas, Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, Larry Ettah, Corporate governance, Energy sector leadership, Gas infrastructure projects