The President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) and Africa Regional Director of the International Gas Union (IGU), Mr. Akachukwu Nwokedi, has congratulated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, on his emergence as President of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial Meeting, and Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), on his election as Secretary-General of the GECF during the Forum’s 27th Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar.
Mr. Nwokedi described the twin appointments as a resounding affirmation of Nigeria’s leadership, competence, and growing influence within the global gas community, noting that both men have consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing Nigeria’s energy transition and global gas diplomacy.
“The emergence of Minister Ekpo as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting and the election of Dr. Mshelbila as Secretary-General represent a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping the global gas agenda,” Mr. Nwokedi stated. “These achievements underscore the nation’s technical depth, visionary leadership, and its commitment to promoting cooperation, inclusivity, and stability across the gas value chain.”
He further praised Minister Ekpo’s leadership at the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas), commending his efforts in driving policies that strengthen investment, infrastructure, and innovation across Nigeria’s gas sector.
“Under Minister Ekpo’s stewardship, Nigeria has continued to demonstrate strong resolve in positioning gas as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development. His elevation to preside over the GECF Ministerial Meeting is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and Nigeria’s policy direction in the global gas ecosystem,” Nwokedi said.
Turning to Dr. Mshelbila’s election as GECF Secretary-General, Mr. Nwokedi hailed it as a proud moment for the Nigerian and African gas communities, adding that his wealth of experience and steady leadership at NLNG would bring value-driven collaboration and renewed purpose to the GECF.
“Dr. Mshelbila’s appointment is a testament to excellence, consistency, and technical brilliance. We are confident that his leadership will further consolidate the Forum’s role in promoting sustainable gas development and equitable energy access,” he remarked.
Mr. Nwokedi reiterated that natural gas remains central to industrial growth, energy security, and the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future, emphasizing that Nigeria and Africa will continue to play a decisive role in driving a balanced and inclusive global energy transition.
“As a nation and as a continent, we remain committed to advancing gas as the bridge fuel for industrialization, job creation, and climate balance. These new global roles for Minister Ekpo and Dr. Mshelbila reaffirm Nigeria’s standing as a trusted and forward-looking partner in the global energy dialogue,” he concluded.
