By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria’s growing influence in global energy diplomacy has once again been demonstrated through the nation’s strong showing at the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), held in Doha, Qatar.
At the high-level meeting of the world’s leading gas-producing nations, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was elected Secretary-General of the GECF, while Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), was appointed President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.
This was contained in a statement signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir
Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar
The statement reads: Reacting to the development, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, described the outcome as a major diplomatic victory that reaffirms Nigeria’s credibility and leadership within the global energy community.
“This outcome is the product of deliberate, quiet diplomacy and Nigeria’s sustained engagement with fellow gas-exporting nations,” Tuggar said. “It validates the confidence of the international community in Nigeria’s integrity, competence, and leadership within the global energy transition space.”
Ambassador Tuggar commended Dr. Mshelbila’s emergence as a strategic boost for the global gas industry, noting that his leadership would further energize collaboration and innovation across the value chain.
He added that Minister Ekpo’s selection as GECF President for 2026 reflects Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to promoting cooperation, inclusivity, and market stability in the global gas sector.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria continues to project responsible energy leadership rooted in democracy, development, and diplomacy,” Tuggar noted.
The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that Nigeria’s enhanced role within the GECF an intergovernmental organization representing most of the world’s proven gas reserves and over 70% of global LNG trade highlights the nation’s central place in shaping the future of sustainable energy.
He expressed confidence that Dr. Mshelbila and Minister Ekpo will represent Nigeria with distinction, strengthening partnerships with other member states to advance a balanced, stable, and sustainable global gas market.
