Nigeria has once again made waves on the international energy stage. In a historic achievement, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Ltd, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, have been elected as the President and Secretary General of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial Meeting.
The announcement, made by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., highlights not only the personal achievements of these leaders but also Nigeria’s growing influence in global gas markets.
A Historic Moment for Nigeria
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) warmly congratulated President Bola Tinubu for supporting the emergence of Nigeria’s candidates, describing this development as a historic milestone.
According to NNPCL, this recognition underscores the Federal Government’s ambitious gas agenda, aimed at harnessing Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves as a driver for industrial growth and economic development.
Dr. Philip Mshelbila’s election took place at the Forum’s 27th Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Qatar, where he succeeded Algeria’s Mohamed Hamel as the 5th Secretary General of the international organisation.
Under his stewardship, the GECF, which has long been a global advocate for natural gas as a cornerstone of sustainable development, is expected to scale even greater heights.
Recognizing Leadership and Vision
Speaking on this achievement, NNPC Ltd.’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Ojulari praised Mshelbila’s work at Nigeria LNG:
Philip Mshelbila has transformed Nigeria’s vast gas reserves into export-grade LNG, LPG, and condensates, serving both domestic needs and global markets. With this feat, Nigeria has secured a permanent place on the global energy map.”
Ojulari added that Mshelbila’s leadership aligns seamlessly with President Tinubu’s gas-to-prosperity agenda, which aims to leverage natural gas for industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation.
Ekperikpe Ekpo, elected as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting, also received high praise.
The Minister has long championed efforts to utilise Nigeria’s gas resources to foster industrialisation and economic development, making his election a strategic victory for Nigeria and Africa at large.
Understanding the GECF and Its Global Impact
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) is an international intergovernmental platform that brings together the world’s leading gas-exporting nations to exchange knowledge, foster dialogue, and enhance the stability and security of global gas supply.
Its membership spans Algeria, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Russia, Trinidad and Tobago, UAE, and Venezuela, with observer countries including Angola, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mozambique, Peru, and Senegal.
Collectively, GECF members hold 69% of the world’s proven natural gas reserves, account for 39% of marketed production, contribute 40% of global gas exports, and represent 51% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
With Nigeria taking leadership roles, the country’s influence in shaping global gas policies is set to grow even stronger.
A Bright Future for Nigeria’s Gas Sector
This historic election is more than just a recognition of individual excellence; it is a testament to Nigeria’s strategic energy vision.
With Mshelbila and Ekpo at the helm of the GECF, the country is poised to play a central role in global energy diplomacy while advancing domestic industrialisation and sustainable development.
As Nigeria steps confidently onto the international gas stage, one thing is clear: natural gas is no longer just a resource; it is a tool for prosperity, economic transformation, and global influence.
Takeaway
Nigeria’s leadership in the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting signals a promising future for the country’s gas sector.
It highlights the importance of strategic leadership, international cooperation, and a forward-thinking energy policy.
For students, investors, and policymakers alike, this is a reminder that vision, dedication, and global engagement can transform national resources into instruments of growth and global recognition.
