Adeleye Falade to Succeed Philip Mshelbila as NLNG MD, Bringing Global Energy Expertise

The board of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has approved the appointment of Adeleye Falade as the company’s new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, the company announced following a send-off ceremony for outgoing MD Philip Mshelbila.

Mr. Falade is expected to assume office in April 2026, succeeding Mr. Mshelbila, who is leaving after more than four years at the helm to take up the position of Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Doha, Qatar.

“Following the approval of the NLNG Board of Directors, Engr Adeleye Falade has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO. He is expected to assume duties in April 2026, joining NLNG from Brunei LNG, where he currently serves as Managing Director and CEO,” said Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, NLNG Manager of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs.

NLNG, a major player in Nigeria’s energy sector, produces liquefied natural gas (LNG) and natural gas liquids (NGLs) for export from its Bonny Island plant in Rivers State. The company is also pivotal in reducing gas flaring and advancing cleaner energy solutions, operating as a joint venture between the Nigerian government and international oil companies.

Mr. Falade brings extensive local and international experience to the role. He has been Managing Director at Brunei LNG Sendirian Berhad since April 2024, served as Shell Namibia Country Chair (September 2023 – April 2024), and previously held key positions at NLNG including General Manager, Production (May 2019 – September 2023) and Operations Manager (July 2015 – May 2018). His international portfolio includes work across seven countries spanning Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Russia, and Africa, and he has expertise in gas and petroleum operations, product optimisation, engineering, and business improvement.

Mr. Falade holds an engineering degree and an MBA from Henley Business School, UK. Industry analysts describe his appointment as a strategic move to maintain operational excellence, leadership continuity, and investor confidence.

Reacting to the appointment, Celestine Ukpong, economist, said:

“This is a strong and timely leadership transition. Falade’s international experience and deep understanding of NLNG’s operations signal continuity and stability. For the Nigerian energy sector, this sends a positive signal to investors, particularly in LNG and gas infrastructure, ensuring that projects and export revenues remain on track.”

Peter Adebayo, FCA, added from a corporate finance perspective:

“Leadership changes at high-value companies like NLNG carry both risk and opportunity. Falade’s appointment, given his track record, should reassure stakeholders about governance, operational efficiency, and financial accountability. It is also likely to support strategic decision-making on capital projects and partnerships, enhancing long-term shareholder value.”

Mr. Mshelbila, who left at the end of December 2025, will assume office as Secretary-General of GECF, reflecting the high international regard for Nigeria’s energy leadership. Analysts note that the leadership continuity provided by Falade, with prior NLNG experience, will support stability in operations and LNG export flows, crucial for both the domestic economy and foreign exchange earnings.

Mr. Femi Otedola, CON, Chairman of FirstHoldCo Plc

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NLNG’s statement highlighted that Falade’s experience spans upstream and midstream assets, operations across multiple jurisdictions, and leadership in complex energy environments, positioning him to navigate evolving global energy markets while sustaining NLNG’s contribution to Nigeria’s energy exports and cleaner energy initiatives.

Experts agree that the appointment reinforces NLNG’s reputation as a key driver of the national economy, with impacts on foreign investment, industrial gas supply, and energy security.

Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) appoints Adeleye Falade as its new Managing Director and CEO, effective April 2026. Experts highlight the appointment as a boost to operational continuity, investor confidence, and Nigeria’s LNG export stability.