– President Tinubu congratulates them on their election
*Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil),
Lagos — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, has emerged as President of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum Ministerial Meeting. He emerged president at the 27th ministerial meeting of the GECF ministers today (Thursday) in Doha, Qatar.
The Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, was also at the meeting, elected as Secretary-General of the Forum.
During the meeting, member states addressed preparations for the 8th GECF Heads of State Summit to be held in the Russian capital, Moscow.
The meeting also focused on coordination by members to address global policies that may pose challenges to the development and trade of natural gas.
President Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, congratulated Minister Ekpo and Dr. Mshelbila on their election to the GECF high positions.
“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 statement read.
The president added: “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.”
According to President Tinubu, the two roles assigned to the Nigerians were a reflection of Nigeria’s leadership in global gas diplomacy. He said Ekpo and Mshelbila would represent Nigeria with excellence and collaborate with other member states to deepen cooperation, stability, and inclusivity in the global gas market.
