Savannah Energy Appoints Two Nigerians as Independent Non-Executive Directors

Savannah Energy PLC, a British energy company, has announced the appointments of two Nigerians, Uyi Akpata and Kehinde Olamide Ogunwumiju, as Independent Non-Executive Directors.

A statement by the company’s management said the appointments are part of planned Board changes, in line with its succession planning regime.

Akpata and Ogunwumiju are expected to bring their significant experiences in audit, finance and legal affairs, further strengthening the Board’s capabilities in these key areas. Upon joining the Board, Akpata is expected to serve as Chair of the Audit Committee.

The company announced the retirement of Sir Stephen O’Brien and David Clarkson from the Board, thanking both for their dedication and service as Directors over the past eight years. It said that during their tenure they have been instrumental in supporting the Company’s governance framework and Board processes.

Commenting on the board changes, Chairman of Savannah Energy, Joseph Pagop Noupoué, said it is in accordance with the Company’s strategic direction, operational priorities, and growth trajectory.

While wishing O’Brien and Clarkson success in their future engagements, Noupoué stressed that their “retirement reflects the natural progression of our governance planning.”

He welcomed the incoming directors, Akpata and Ogunwumiju, noting that “Both are internationally respected professionals in their respective fields – finance and legal – and have proven track records supporting dynamic, high growth organisations. I believe their expertise will be instrumental as Savannah continues its growth trajectory across Africa.”

O’Brien, who is retiring as Vice Chair and Non-Executive Director expressed fulfillment in the transformation of Savannah Energy into a leading African energy company advancing projects across the continent in both hydrocarbons and renewables. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the company’s journey, assuring his continued support for the company in a new political advisory role.

On his part, Clarkson stated: “Since joining the Board in 2017, I have enjoyed a wonderful journey with Andrew and my Board colleagues as Savannah grew in stature delivering Projects That Matter. I wish the Company every success as it continues to build sustainable businesses across its portfolio of opportunities. I look forward to supporting the Company as Technical Advisor to the Board.”

Akpata, who is a Chartered accountant with an over 40-year career, has held various leadership roles at PwC before his retirement on June 30 2024. His key roles include Senior Partner for Nigeria and Regional Senior Partner for West Africa, Head of Oil and Gas for Africa and a member of both the firm’s Global Oil & Gas Leadership team and Africa Leadership team. He is currently Chairman of the Board of emPLE Life Insurance, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Unified Payments Limited, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Unity Schools Old Students Association and President of the Nigerian Cricket Federation.

Ogunwumiju, who is one of the youngest Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), is the Managing Partner at Afe Babalola & Co, since 2017. His practice has seen him successfully represent the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in over 100 disputes and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in multiple international disputes, including against a near US$5 billion claim at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) in Washington DC. He has worked on many Nigerian and international arbitrations.

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Victor EZEJA

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Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X