The Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) has congratulated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila, on their historic appointments to key leadership roles in the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
The NGA President and Africa Regional Director of the International Gas Union (IGU), Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, described the dual recognition as a “resounding affirmation of Nigeria’s leadership, competence, and growing influence within the global gas community.”
Ekpo was appointed President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting, while Mshelbila was elected Secretary-General of the Forum during its 27th Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar.
According to Nwokedi, the appointments underscore Nigeria’s “technical depth, visionary leadership, and commitment to promoting cooperation, inclusivity, and stability across the gas value chain.”
“The emergence of Minister Ekpo as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting and the election of Dr. Mshelbila as Secretary-General represent a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping the global gas agenda,” he said.
He lauded Minister Ekpo for his leadership in driving gas-sector reforms, infrastructure expansion, and investment attraction, noting that Nigeria’s gas policy direction under his watch has reinforced the nation’s standing as a key player in global energy transition.
“Under Minister Ekpo’s stewardship, Nigeria has continued to demonstrate strong resolve in positioning gas as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development. His elevation is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and Nigeria’s policy direction in the global gas ecosystem,” Nwokedi added.
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On Mshelbila’s election, the NGA President hailed it as a “proud moment for Nigeria and Africa,” commending his steady leadership at NLNG and his contributions to advancing the continent’s energy agenda.
“Dr. Mshelbila’s appointment is a testament to excellence, consistency, and technical brilliance. We are confident that his leadership will further consolidate the Forum’s role in promoting sustainable gas development and equitable energy access,” he said.
Nwokedi reaffirmed that natural gas remains central to Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and transition to a cleaner future, emphasizing that the nation—and the continent—will continue to play a decisive role in driving a balanced global energy transition.
“These new global roles for Minister Ekpo and Dr. Mshelbila reaffirm Nigeria’s standing as a trusted and forward-looking partner in the global energy dialogue,” he concluded.