Nigeria has recorded a major diplomatic victory in the global energy space as the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila, have been elected President and Secretary-General, respectively, of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial Meeting.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Andy Odeh, in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) congratulated President Bola Tinubu for his role in the emergence of Nigeria’s candidates, describing the development as “a historic moment for the country and a testimony to the Federal Government’s gas agenda.”
NNPC Ltd. noted that the election of both Ekpo and Mshelbila reaffirms Nigeria’s growing influence in the global energy sector and aligns with the administration’s vision of using natural gas as a catalyst for industrial growth and economic transformation.
Dr. Mshelbila was elected during the 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar, succeeding Algeria’s Mohamed Hamel as the fifth Secretary-General of the global organisation, which has been instrumental in positioning natural gas as a cornerstone of sustainable development worldwide.
Speaking on the milestone, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Ojulari, said:
“NNPC Ltd. is proud of what Dr. Mshelbila has achieved at Nigeria LNG, where he has worked tirelessly to transform Nigeria’s vast gas reserves into export-grade LNG, LPG, and condensates — serving both domestic needs and international markets.”
He added that Mshelbila’s election “has put Nigeria firmly on the global energy map.”
“This shows that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Gas-to-Prosperity Agenda — which positions natural gas as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation — is on the right trajectory,” Ojulari stated.
The NNPC GCEO further assured that under Mshelbila’s leadership, the GECF will witness enhanced collaboration among member countries, leading to remarkable progress in making natural gas the pivotal resource for inclusive and sustainable development across Africa and beyond.
Ojulari also congratulated Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo on his election as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting, commending his consistent efforts in promoting Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for industrialisation and economic growth.
The GECF, comprising leading gas-producing nations, represents a significant share of the world’s proven natural gas reserves and exports. Nigeria’s dual leadership positions are therefore seen as a strategic win that strengthens the country’s voice in shaping global gas policies and investments.