Amanze Chinonye
President 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), describing it as a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa.
Dr. Mshelbila’s election took place during the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum held on October 23, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. At the same meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, was selected as President for the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.
In a statement on Thursday, President Tinubu said the twin appointments reaffirm Nigeria’s leadership in global gas diplomacy and its commitment to promoting cooperation among gas-producing nations, ensuring market stability, and advancing equitable access to energy.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“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,” Tinubu said.
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The President emphasized that under his Renewed Hope Agenda, natural gas remains central to Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation.
He commended Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo’s emergence as GECF President for 2026, saying it reflects 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.”
President Tinubu also praised the contributions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria’s GECF Executive Board Member, Engr. Farouk Ahmed; and other officials whose efforts helped secure the global recognition.
“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,” the President stated.
The GECF, comprising major producers such as Russia, Qatar, Algeria, and Nigeria, represents over 60 per cent of global gas reserves and exports. The Forum serves as a key platform for advancing cooperation and stability in the international gas market.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
