Tinubu hails Ekpo, Mshelbila’s Election As Gas Exporting Countries’ President, Secretary-General

President Bola Tinubu has lauded the election of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) managing director Philip Mshelbila as secretary general of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) at the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum held in Doha, Qatar.

The special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill and also congratulated Ekperikpe Ekpo, the minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Gas), on his emergence as president of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.

The President said the development would further consolidate Nigeria’s leadership in global gas diplomacy.

President Tinubu also expressed confidence that Mshelbila and Ekpo would represent Nigeria with distinction and work with other member nations to strengthen cooperation, stability, and inclusivity in the global gas market.

“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.

“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,” he said.

In a related development, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) chief executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, also congratulated Dr Philip Mshelbila on his election as the new SG of the Forum at the just concluded 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar.

Ahmed, also a member of the GECF executive board, congratulated the gas minister, Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, on his appointment as the President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.

He described both outcomes as a testament to Nigeria’s growing leadership, credibility and recognition within the global gas community.

He noted that the dual honours reflect the country’s strategic contributions in the energy space.

Ahmed commended Dr Mshelbila’s distinguished track record in the gas industry. He expressed confidence that his wealth of experience will further strengthen the Forum’s role in promoting natural gas as a key driver of global energy security and sustainable development.

The Authority boss charged the new Secretary-General with serving with dedication, transparency, and renewed commitment to advancing the collective interests of member countries, particularly in addressing global energy transition challenges and ensuring fair value for gas resources.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the GECF’s mission. He emphasised the country’s readiness to continue working with other member states to foster cooperation, investment and innovation across the global gas value chain.

Dr Philip Mshelbila is the managing director/chief executive officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and vice president of Bonny Gas Transport.

He brings over thirty years of leadership and technical expertise to the global energy industry.

Before joining NLNG, he served as chief executive officer of the Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago. He held several senior positions within Shell Nigeria, including general manager, Gas, and director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC).