Nigeria has consolidated its influence in global energy politics following the election of Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, on his emergence as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting and Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) as Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) at the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum held in Doha, Qatar.
The elections, held during the 27th Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Qatar, saw the Nigerian delegation secure major international roles, signaling the country’s growing stature in the global gas market.
Congratulating them, President Bola Tinubu described their emergence as a “further consolidation of Nigeria’s leadership in global gas diplomacy.”
In a statement, the President expressed confidence that both Dr. Mshelbila and Minister Ekpo will represent Nigeria with distinction and collaborate with other member states to enhance cooperation and stability in the global gas market.
The President noted that their selection reflected the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s technical expertise in the gas sector.
These appointments are particularly timely, aligning with Nigeria’s current Decade of Gas initiative and the administration’s policy drive to utilize the nation’s vast gas reserves as a cornerstone for industrial growth and economic transformation.