The International Gas Union (IGU) has appointed Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), as its new Regional Coordinator for Africa. The announcement was made during the recently concluded World Gas Conference (WGC) held in Beijing, China.
Mr. Nwokedi takes over the role from Engr. Khaled Abubakr of Egypt, who previously served as IGU’s Regional Coordinator for Africa and the Middle East and was recently elected Vice-President of the IGU for the 2028–2031 term.
In this new capacity, Mr. Nwokedi will serve as the principal liaison between the IGU and its African member countries. His mandate includes advocating for progressive gas policies across the continent, enhancing knowledge sharing among stakeholders, organizing regional events, and offering strategic insights into Africa’s gas landscape to shape global gas policy.
The IGU noted that Mr. Nwokedi’s appointment reflects his significant contributions to promoting gas as a key enabler of energy security in Africa. The union also highlighted that the appointment reaffirms Nigeria’s leadership role within the continent’s gas sector.
Mr. Nwokedi described the appointment as both a great honour and a significant responsibility. He emphasized its importance in amplifying Nigeria’s voice and leadership in Africa’s energy transition and stated his commitment to fostering deeper collaboration between African gas stakeholders and the global energy community.
“The role provides an important platform to advocate for sustainable energy solutions that will drive economic development across our continent,” he remarked.
Industry observers regard the Regional Coordinator role as critical to enhancing energy access through the development of gas infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and strengthening inter-African cooperation in the evolving gas ecosystem.
Mr. Nwokedi reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Gas Association to the sustainable development of the gas industry as a driver of national and regional economic growth. He also affirmed the IGU’s dedication to positioning natural gas as a cornerstone of global sustainable energy systems.
The Nigerian Gas Association remains Nigeria’s foremost professional body for the gas sector, representing both public and private stakeholders. It is committed to fostering an enabling environment for the optimal development and utilization of the country’s vast gas resources as a tool for economic progress and environmental sustainability.
