Uyi Akpata, a Nigerian chartered accountant with over 40 years of experience, has been appointed as a non-executive director of Savannah Energy PLC. Akpata's leadership roles at PwC, the leading international audit and professional services firm, and his expertise in audit and risk management make him an excellent addition to the board.

Akpata's key roles at PwC include Senior Partner for Nigeria and Regional Senior Partner for West Africa. He has also held positions such as Head of Oil and Gas for Africa and membership in both the firm's Global Oil & Gas Leadership team and Africa Leadership team.

In his assurance services background, Akpata led audit work for energy supermajors active in Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, and high-growth emerging energy companies. He has also supervised teams auditing companies outside of the energy sector, in areas such as financial services, consumer goods, and agriculture.

Recently, Akpata founded Rusa Advisory, where he specializes in providing governance and risk management advisory services and partners with business leaders to drive sustainable growth, efficiency, and profitability.

Akpata 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. He also served as Chairman of the Professional Services Group of the Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce.

Savannah Energy PLC, a British independent energy company, has confirmed the appointment of Akpata as a non-executive director with immediate effect. Joseph Pagop Noupoué, Non-Executive Chair of Savannah, said in a statement: "We are pleased to welcome Uyi to the Savannah Board as a Non-Executive Director. Uyi brings extensive experience in audit, risk management, corporate governance, and the energy sector, gained over a distinguished career spanning more than 40 years. His leadership roles at PwC, together with his deep knowledge of the African energy industry, make him an excellent addition to the Board."

"I am delighted to be joining the Board of Savannah at this important stage in the Company's development," Akpata said. "Savannah has built a strong and diversified energy business with a clear strategic focus and significant growth opportunities. I look forward to working closely with my fellow Board members and the management team, and to contributing my experience in governance, audit, risk oversight, and the energy sector to support the Company's continued growth and success."

Savannah Energy has announced that following the publication of the company's 2025 annual accounts and after a handover period, it is intended that Akpata will be appointed as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

"We look forward to benefiting from his expertise as Savannah continues to expand its operations across Africa, execute its growth strategy, and deliver long-term value for shareholders.<

"Savannah has built a strong and diversified energy business with a clear strategic focus and significant growth opportunities.<

"I look forward to working closely with my fellow Board members and the management team, and to contributing my experience in governance, audit, risk oversight, and the energy sector to support the Company's continued growth and success.<

Akpata has no shareholding in the company, the statement said.

Uyi Akpata, the newly appointed non-executive director of Savannah Energy, is a chartered accountant with 40 years of experience. He previously held senior leadership roles at PwC, a leading international audit and professional services firm.