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Tuesday, 20 July, 2004, 11:52 GMT 12:52 UK

Shell names first Nigerian boss

Mr Omiyi hopes to be the first of many Nigerian bosses
Oil giant Shell has for the first time named a Nigerian to head its operations in Nigeria, one of the world's biggest oil exporters.

Basil Omiyi, 58, will start work as Shell Nigeria's managing director in September, after joining the company 34 years ago.

Localisation has been a key demand of Nigeria's restive oil-workers' unions.

The appointment appears to scotch reports that Shell would leave Nigeria - where it is the biggest oil producer.

"I am honoured to be the first of what I expect will be many Nigerians to hold the post. I look forward to the opportunities and challenges which lie ahead," Mr Omiyi said.

Opec member Nigeria is the world's seventh largest crude exporter, producing around 2.5 million barrels per day and exporting almost all of that.

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