President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, on his election as Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) at the 27th Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Qatar.
Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said the President also congratulated Ekperikpe Ekpo, the minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), on his emergence as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.
According to the statement said by the President which reads “This is a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa, reaffirming our leadership in global gas diplomacy and our shared commitment to the ideals of the GECF, promoting cooperation among gas-producing nations, ensuring market stability, advancing equitable access to energy, and championing cleaner, more sustainable development.
”Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, gas remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation.
“I also congratulate our Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, who was selected as President for the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting. These milestones reflect the world’s confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to lead with responsibility and vision, shaping a global gas future defined by partnership, innovation, shared purpose, and inclusion.
“I must also commend the tireless work of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA & Nigeria’s GECF Executive Board Member, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, and our fellow GECF member countries, whose invaluable efforts and support culminated in this important achievement for our nation and the continent.
“As Nigeria assumes greater responsibility within the Forum, I urge the GECF to continue championing policies that ensure fair value for natural gas, deepen investment and collaboration, and strengthen the role of gas as a bridge to a more secure and sustainable global energy future. Together, we must uphold the principles of cooperation, equity, and shared progress that lie at the heart of this Forum.”
a
