Tinubu Hails Ekpo, Mshelbila on Top Global Gas Forum Roles in Doha

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, on his emergence as President of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial Meeting, held on Thursday in Doha, Qatar.

The President also felicitated with the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, Philip Mshelbila, on his election as Secretary-General of the GECF, describing both appointments as significant milestones for Nigeria’s leadership in the global gas sector.

Tinubu’s message was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

The 27th ministerial meeting of the GECF brought together representatives of member states to deliberate on strategies for strengthening cooperation, addressing global energy policies that could hinder natural gas development and trade, and preparing for the 8th GECF Heads of State Summit scheduled to hold in Moscow.

Participants also discussed key organisational matters, including the election of the next GECF Secretary-General, a position now held by Mshelbila.

Commending the two Nigerian officials, Tinubu said their emergence underscores the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s technical expertise and diplomatic influence in the global gas industry.

“The Nigerian government is proud of Mshelbila’s election as Secretary-General and Ekpo’s emergence as President of the GECF Ministerial Meeting, as the two positions reflect the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and technical expertise in the global gas sector,” the President said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning natural gas as a key driver of Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Natural gas remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation under our administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Our country shall remain a dependable voice in advancing equitable energy access and a cleaner energy future,” Tinubu added.

The GECF, which represents leading gas-producing nations, serves as a platform for policy coordination and advocacy to promote stability and sustainability in the global gas market.