The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his strategic leadership and diplomatic engagement that led to the emergence of two Nigerians — Dr. Philip Mshelbila and Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo — in top positions within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
Dr. Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was elected Secretary-General of the GECF at its 27th Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, while Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), was appointed President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.
In a statement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the development as a “historic moment” for Nigeria and a validation of President Tinubu’s Gas Agenda, which prioritizes natural gas as a driver of industrial growth and economic transformation.
“NNPC Ltd is proud of what Dr. Mshelbila has achieved at Nigeria LNG, where he has worked tirelessly to transform Nigeria’s vast gas reserves into export-grade LNG, LPG, and condensates, serving both domestic needs and global markets,” Ojulari said.
He added that Mshelbila’s election places Nigeria firmly on the global energy map and reinforces the administration’s “Gas to Prosperity” vision aimed at leveraging the country’s natural gas potential to power industries, ensure energy security, and foster inclusive development.
“With Dr. Mshelbila at the helm of the GECF, Africa, Nigeria, and NNPC Ltd will witness remarkable progress in positioning natural gas as a pivotal resource for sustainable growth,” the GCEO stated.
Ojulari also congratulated Minister Ekpo, praising his leadership in advancing Nigeria’s gas industrialisation strategy and championing investments in gas infrastructure and domestic utilisation.
“The Minister’s emergence as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting further underscores Nigeria’s credibility and leadership in the global gas space,” he said.
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) is an intergovernmental organization that represents the world’s leading gas-producing nations and provides a platform for cooperation and dialogue among member countries.
Collectively, GECF members account for 69% of global proven gas reserves, 39% of marketed production, 40% of exports, and 51% of global LNG trade. Member countries include Nigeria, Algeria, Qatar, Russia, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates, among others.
NNPC Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s strategic engagement in global energy governance and to strengthening collaboration with the GECF to advance gas-driven industrialisation and energy transition goals.
