Shell Names First Nigerian, Female Executive Vice President And Country Chair In 2026

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Shell Names First Nigerian, Female Executive Vice President And Country Chair In 2026

Shell has appointed Elohor Aiboni as Executive Vice President and Country Chair for Nigeria, making her the first Nigerian and the first woman to occupy the combined leadership position in the company’s more than 60 years of operations in the country.

The appointment, which takes effect on August 1, 2026, marks a significant leadership transition for the energy giant as it advances key investments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Aiboni succeeds Marno de Jong, who is retiring after a 34-year career with Shell.

With more than two decades of experience within the Shell Group, Aiboni has held senior technical and operational roles across Nigeria, Kazakhstan and Brunei, building expertise in offshore, shallow-water and onshore operations. Her elevation comes after serving as Asset Director at Brunei Shell Petroleum, where she oversaw production performance and project delivery.

Brandspur Brand News reports that Aiboni previously made history in 2021 when she became the first female Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited. During her tenure, the company’s flagship Bonga deepwater asset achieved the milestone of producing its one-billionth barrel of crude oil while maintaining stable operations.

Industry stakeholders view her return to Nigeria as strategically important as Shell pushes ahead with major projects, including the Bonga North development and offshore gas investments designed to support increased energy production and long-term growth.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/19/spiro-appoints-former-indofast-energy-chief-as-group-ceo-after-215-million-funding-round/

Outgoing Country Chair Marno de Jong led Shell’s Nigerian operations through a period of transformation, helping to drive investment decisions and maintain performance across key assets. His departure closes a chapter that saw the company pursue expansion initiatives despite evolving challenges in the energy sector.

Aiboni is expected to build on those gains while strengthening Shell’s presence in one of Africa’s largest oil-producing nations. Her appointment also underscores the growing prominence of Nigerian professionals in global energy leadership and highlights increasing diversity in top corporate positions within the international oil and gas industry.

The leadership change comes at a crucial time for Shell as it seeks to deepen investments, expand production capacity and reinforce its long-standing role in Nigeria’s energy landscape. Beyond its business significance, the appointment represents a landmark moment for local representation and female leadership in one of the world’s biggest energy companies.

Spiro Appoints Former Indofast Energy Chief As Group CEO After $215 Million Funding Round

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Spiro Appoints Former Indofast Energy Chief As Group CEO After $215 Million Funding Round

African electric mobility company Spiro has named former Indofast Energy chief executive Anant Badjatya as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, a leadership move that comes shortly after the company secured a $215 million equity investment to accelerate expansion across the continent.

The appointment signals the company’s intention to strengthen its position in Africa’s growing electric vehicle market as it scales its battery-swapping infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities and energy ecosystem. Badjatya succeeds Kaushik Burman, who will now oversee Spiro’s mobility services division, which manages vehicle deployment, rider leasing programmes, battery subscriptions and fleet operations.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the leadership restructuring creates a clearer distinction between Spiro’s transport operations and its wider ambitions in battery-swapping technology, logistics, energy infrastructure and vehicle production.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/19/marketsquare-marks-10-years-as-ceo-says-indigenous-businesses-can-compete-with-global-standards/

Badjatya joins the company with extensive experience in large-scale battery-swapping networks, having previously led Indofast Energy, a venture backed by IndianOil and SUN Mobility. Under his watch, the Indian company developed a network of more than 1,800 battery-swapping stations serving tens of thousands of vehicles daily.

The executive change follows one of the largest disclosed investments in Africa’s electric mobility sector. The recently announced $215 million capital raise is expected to support the expansion of Spiro’s operations and infrastructure footprint across key African markets.

Spiro currently operates in seven countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. The company says it has deployed more than 100,000 electric motorcycles and established over 2,500 battery-swapping stations as demand for cleaner transportation solutions gains momentum.

The appointment of an executive with deep experience in India’s advanced battery-swapping ecosystem underscores the increasing race among African electric mobility companies to translate investor confidence into sustainable growth and broader access to low-emission transport solutions across the continent.

Marketsquare Marks 10 Years As CEO Says Indigenous Businesses Can Compete With Global Standards

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Marketsquare Marks 10 Years As CEO Says Indigenous Businesses Can Compete With Global Standards

Marketsquare has celebrated its 10th anniversary with its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ebele Enunwa, declaring that Nigerian-owned companies have the capacity to build enduring institutions capable of competing with the best in the world when supported by strong vision and disciplined execution.

The indigenous supermarket chain, which opened its first outlet in Yenagoa in 2015, has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading retail brands, employing more than 4,000 people and serving over two million customers monthly. The company says its expansion over the past decade reflects the increasing strength of local enterprise despite economic headwinds and changing market conditions.

According to Enunwa, Marketsquare was established to transform the shopping experience for Nigerian consumers by combining global retail standards with a deep understanding of local preferences. Brandspur Brand News reports that the company’s growth journey has spanned periods of economic recession, foreign exchange volatility, inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions and the COVID-19 pandemic.

The retail executive said resilience, adaptability and a long-term approach have been central to sustaining the business, noting that employees, suppliers and customers remain critical to the success of any enterprise. He added that indigenous companies should not underestimate their potential to build nationally recognised institutions capable of delivering value over generations.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/18/betking-secures-double-industry-recognition-for-responsible-gaming-and-ai-innovation/

Marketsquare’s operations have also contributed to broader economic development through support for hundreds of local suppliers and investments in community programmes focused on education, healthcare and women empowerment. The company believes organised retail plays a strategic role in strengthening manufacturing, supporting agriculture, improving food safety standards and expanding government revenue through taxation.

Enunwa said partnerships with Nigerian manufacturers and farmers remain a core part of the company’s growth strategy, arguing that stronger local supply chains enhance competitiveness and create shared prosperity across the economy.

Looking ahead, the Marketsquare founder said he hopes the brand will be remembered for helping raise standards in Nigeria’s modern retail industry while creating opportunities and proving that indigenous businesses can scale successfully and endure. He also encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on solving real problems, building strong teams and pursuing long-term value creation despite current economic challenges.

BetKing Secures Double Industry Recognition For Responsible Gaming And AI Innovation

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BetKing Secures Double Industry Recognition For Responsible Gaming And AI Innovation

KingMakers, the company behind BetKing, is proud to announce that the brand has earned two prestigious industry accolades, reinforcing its leadership in responsible gaming and technology-driven innovation within Africa’s betting and gaming sector.

At the Brand Handlers Summit & Awards, BetKing was honored with the Best Responsible Gaming Platform Brand of the Year award, recognizing the company’s commitment to player protection, responsible gaming advocacy, and the promotion of safe betting practices.

On the same day, BetKing also received the AI Innovation in Betting, Gaming & Entertainment Award at the Nigeria Martech Awards, a recognition that celebrates organizations leveraging artificial intelligence to transform customer experiences, drive operational excellence, and shape the future of the gaming and entertainment industry.
The dual recognition highlights BetKing’s unique ability to balance innovation with responsibility; delivering cutting-edge digital experiences while maintaining a strong focus on customer well-being and industry best practices.

“These awards are industry proof to the incredible work being done across our business,” said Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director of KingMakers & Chief Executive Officer of BetKing. We believe innovation and responsibility must go hand in hand. Being recognized for both our responsible gaming initiatives and our advancements in AI-driven solutions reflects our commitment to creating a safer, smarter, and more engaging experience for our customers.”

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/18/julius-berger-achieves-iso-140012015-certification-in-2026-for-strengthened-environmental-sustainability-standards/

The Best Responsible Gaming Platform Brand of the Year award acknowledges BetKing’s investments in responsible gaming tools, awareness campaigns, player protection measures, and compliance standards that help ensure a safe and transparent gaming environment.

Meanwhile, the AI Innovation in Betting, Gaming & Entertainment Award recognizes the company’s adoption of advanced technologies and intelligent solutions designed to enhance customer engagement, improve operational efficiency, personalize user experiences, and drive innovation across its platforms.

These achievements further strengthen BetKing’s reputation as one of Africa’s most forward-thinking gaming brands, combining technological excellence with a strong commitment to sustainability, trust, and responsible business practices.

As the industry continues to evolve, KingMakers remains focused on investing in innovation, empowering customers through responsible gaming initiatives, and delivering world-class entertainment experiences across its markets.

About KingMakers

KingMakers is a leading sports betting and gaming company operating across Africa through its flagship brand, BetKing. The company is dedicated to delivering innovative digital entertainment experiences while upholding the highest standards of responsible gaming, customer protection, integrity, and operational excellence.

Julius Berger Achieves ISO 14001:2015 Certification in 2026 for Strengthened Environmental Sustainability Standards

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Julius Berger Achieves ISO 14001:2015 Certification in 2026 for Strengthened Environmental Sustainability Standards

Julius Berger Nigeria PLC has secured the internationally recognised ISO 14001:2015 certification, marking a major advancement in its environmental sustainability and compliance framework. The certification was issued by accredited standards body TVECert after a comprehensive audit of the company’s Environmental Management System, confirming alignment with global benchmarks for environmental performance, pollution control, and continuous improvement practices.

The certification affirms that the construction giant has strengthened its internal systems for identifying, managing, and reducing environmental risks across its operations. ISO 14001:2015 is widely regarded as a global standard that guides organisations in embedding sustainability into project delivery, operational planning, and regulatory compliance, particularly in high-impact sectors such as construction and infrastructure development.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the development reflects growing pressure on major industrial operators in Nigeria to adopt internationally accepted environmental governance standards as sustainability expectations rise across global supply chains and infrastructure financing.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/18/cbn-introduces-new-rules-to-limit-dominance-in-nigerias-payments-market/

During the certification process, the auditing body commended the company’s compliance efforts, noting that its environmental and safety teams demonstrated strong coordination and timely provision of required documentation, which contributed to a smooth evaluation process. The certification body also emphasized that continued compliance will be necessary, as the certification remains subject to periodic annual surveillance audits to ensure ongoing adherence to standards.

Management at Julius Berger described the certification as a validation of its long-term sustainability strategy, stressing its commitment to integrating environmental responsibility into project execution, corporate planning, and operational decision-making. The company reaffirmed its focus on maintaining global best practices while strengthening trust among regulators, clients, and stakeholders in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.

CBN Introduces New Rules To Limit Dominance In Nigeria’s Payments Market

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CBN Introduces New Rules To Limit Dominance In Nigeria’s Payments Market

The Central Bank of Nigeria has unveiled a new market structure framework aimed at preventing any single financial institution from gaining excessive control over both consumer and merchant payment segments, as regulators move to strengthen competition and reduce concentration risks in the country’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem.

Under the new rules, any licensed financial institution controlling more than 25 per cent of the consumer-issuing market will be restricted to a maximum 15 per cent share of merchant-acquiring activities, creating clear limits on cross-market dominance.

The latest directive comes amid rapid expansion by banks and fintech companies seeking to offer integrated services to both consumers and merchants as cashless transactions continue to gain traction across Nigeria.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the framework is designed to ensure a more balanced payments landscape and reduce systemic vulnerabilities that could arise if a few institutions become the primary gateways for electronic transactions.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/18/indrive-opens-applications-for-chief-wahala-officer-role-in-lagos-with-%e2%82%a61-5-million-prize/

The move reflects the Central Bank’s broader push to strengthen financial infrastructure, deepen digital payments adoption and promote fair competition within the financial services industry. Regulators are increasingly focused on preserving market efficiency as innovation accelerates and new players expand beyond their traditional business segments.

By imposing limits on institutions with significant market power, the apex bank aims to encourage a more diversified ecosystem in which multiple operators can compete effectively across different layers of the payments value chain.

The new framework is expected to influence strategic decisions by banks and fintech firms as they pursue growth opportunities in merchant acquiring, card issuance and digital payment services. Industry participants may also need to reassess expansion plans to ensure compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape.

Nigeria has emerged as one of Africa’s leading digital payments markets, driven by rising smartphone penetration, growing fintech investment and increased adoption of electronic transactions. The latest regulatory intervention underscores the Central Bank’s commitment to maintaining stability while fostering innovation and sustainable growth across the country’s financial system.

inDrive Opens Applications For Chief Wahala Officer Role In Lagos With ₦1.5 Million Prize

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inDrive Opens Applications For Chief Wahala Officer Role In Lagos With ₦1.5 Million Prize

Global mobility platform inDrive has launched applications for a new Chief Wahala Officer role aimed at highlighting the transportation and delivery challenges faced by Lagos residents while encouraging community engagement around urban mobility issues.

The initiative seeks to capture the daily experiences of commuters and small businesses navigating traffic congestion, delivery delays and other logistical obstacles in Nigeria’s commercial capital, with successful applicants set to receive cash rewards totalling ₦1.5 million.

The company said the role is designed to identify and spotlight common movement challenges across Lagos while serving as a voice for residents dealing with the realities of commuting and delivery services in the city. Applicants are expected to possess extensive knowledge of Lagos transport patterns and demonstrate the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Brandspur Brand News reports that two candidates with the strongest qualifications will be selected, with the top winner receiving ₦1 million and the second-place candidate earning ₦500,000.

According to inDrive, candidates must have at least five years of experience navigating Lagos and possess a strong understanding of local transportation and delivery dynamics. Preference will be given to individuals with active community influence, strong communication skills and familiarity with the challenges encountered by commuters and small businesses.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/18/pencom-nurtw-target-nine-million-transport-workers-for-pension-scheme-in-2026/

The company said the campaign goes beyond entertainment and is intended to strengthen engagement with users by encouraging authentic storytelling and broader conversations around urban mobility in one of Africa’s busiest cities.

Interested participants have been invited to submit content on TikTok or Instagram using the hashtag #inDriveCWO and tagging the company’s Nigerian social media handle.

inDrive operates across more than 1,000 cities in 48 countries and has expanded beyond ride-hailing into services including intercity transport, deliveries and financial solutions. The company says its broader mission is to promote fair access and positively impact communities through technology-driven mobility services.

The latest initiative reflects growing efforts by digital platforms to deepen user engagement and address the practical challenges associated with transportation and logistics in rapidly expanding urban centres such as Lagos.

PenCom, NURTW Target Nine Million Transport Workers For Pension Scheme In 2026

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PenCom, NURTW Target Nine Million Transport Workers For Pension Scheme In 2026

The National Pension Commission and the National Union of Road Transport Workers have begun discussions on a major initiative aimed at bringing an estimated nine million transport workers into Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme through the Personal Pension Plan.

The proposed partnership is designed to deepen pension and financial inclusion among workers in the informal sector, while also creating a framework that could support access to modern mass-transit vehicles across the country.

The initiative emerged following a meeting between PenCom Director-General Omolola Oloworaran and NURTW National President Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The discussions focused on extending retirement savings opportunities to transport operators who have traditionally remained outside the formal pension system.

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the collaboration could significantly expand pension coverage across motor parks, logistics corridors, interstate routes and urban transport networks, marking one of the most ambitious efforts to integrate informal sector workers into Nigeria’s retirement savings architecture.

Under the proposal, transport workers would be enrolled into the Personal Pension Plan through a technology-driven contribution model linked to existing revenue collection platforms used by the union. The framework is also expected to support a mobility enhancement programme aimed at helping operators acquire buses and other transport assets through structured financing arrangements.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/18/over-100-young-africans-receive-digital-skills-training-to-boost-tech-careers/

The financing model under consideration would involve support from commercial banks, development finance institutions and other stakeholders. Daily collections from transport operators are expected to serve both as repayment channels for vehicle financing and as contributions to individual pension accounts, creating a dual system of asset ownership and long-term savings.

PenCom has expressed support for the proposal, describing it as a significant step toward strengthening social protection and advancing financial inclusion. The commission noted that expanding pension access remains a key priority and said the initiative aligns with broader efforts to improve economic welfare and retirement security for Nigerians.

Officials also believe the proposed arrangement supports key elements of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in the areas of poverty reduction, economic empowerment, transport sector reform and social inclusion.

If successfully implemented, the programme could substantially increase Nigeria’s pension contributor base, provide retirement security for millions of transport workers and establish a sustainable framework for modernising public transportation nationwide.

The Personal Pension Plan was introduced to enable self-employed individuals and workers in the informal sector to build retirement savings through flexible contributions, while allowing limited access to a portion of accumulated funds under specified conditions.

Over 100 Young Africans Receive Digital Skills Training To Boost Tech Careers

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Over 100 Young Africans Receive Digital Skills Training To Boost Tech Careers

More than 100 young people from across Africa have completed specialised training in digital and emerging technologies as part of efforts to strengthen the continent’s talent pipeline and prepare a new generation of innovators for opportunities in the global digital economy.

The programme brought together participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and other African countries through community learning platforms and technology hubs, with a focus on equipping youths with practical skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.

The training initiative covered areas including artificial intelligence, UI/UX design, product development, data literacy and other emerging technologies. Organisers said the curriculum was designed to provide hands-on experience and make digital careers accessible to individuals with little or no prior technology background.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the programme was facilitated by technology expert and product engineer Emmanuel Brendan in collaboration with the Veronica Anthony Foundation, TechnRise DTI and other development partners committed to youth empowerment and digital inclusion.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/18/fg-to-begin-nationwide-digital-postcode-rollout-in-october-2026-to-boost-security/

Beyond technical training, the initiative also incorporated mentorship, career guidance and capacity-building programmes aimed at helping participants transition from learning into employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

According to the organisers, strengthening digital literacy among Africa’s growing youth population is essential to unlocking innovation, expanding economic opportunities and positioning the continent to compete more effectively in the global knowledge economy.

The programme also emphasised design thinking, user experience principles and product engineering, enabling participants to develop practical problem-solving capabilities that can be applied to local and international challenges.

With digital transformation accelerating across industries, experts continue to stress the importance of equipping young Africans with future-ready skills that can drive job creation, support innovation and contribute to long-term economic growth across the continent.

FG To Begin Nationwide Digital Postcode Rollout In October 2026 To Boost Security

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FG To Begin Nationwide Digital Postcode Rollout In October 2026 To Boost Security

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to introduce a nationwide digital postcode system aimed at strengthening security operations, improving emergency response and enhancing the delivery of public services across Nigeria.

The initiative, approved by the Federal Executive Council under the National Digital Addressing Policy, will assign a unique and verifiable digital address to every location in the country, creating a more efficient framework for identification, coordination and service delivery.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani disclosed the plan during the National Digital Alphanumeric Postcode System Workshop held in Abuja, announcing that the first phase of implementation is scheduled to commence in October 2026.

Brandspur Brand News reports that several states are expected to be brought onto the platform before the end of the year as authorities accelerate efforts to deepen digital infrastructure and support the government’s broader technology-driven economic agenda.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/06/18/apple-confirms-2026-product-price-hikes-as-rising-chip-costs-bite/

According to the minister, the digital postcode system is designed to improve coordination among security agencies and ensure quicker, more accurate responses during emergencies. The platform is also expected to enhance accountability and provide better location intelligence for public institutions.

Beyond its role in modernising postal services, the system is expected to support logistics, e-commerce, national planning and other economic activities that rely on accurate address identification. Officials believe the initiative will help eliminate inefficiencies associated with conventional addressing systems and improve access to government services.

The government is also working on integrating the digital addressing framework into public institutions to ensure wider adoption and maximise its impact on governance and economic development.

The rollout forms part of Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation efforts aimed at leveraging technology to improve public administration, strengthen national security and create a more inclusive digital economy.

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