Tinubu hails Ekpo, Mshelbila on emergence as president, secretary-general at GECF

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Philip Mshelbila, for their emergence as president of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial meeting and GECF secretary-general, respectively.

This was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

This comes after the duo emerged as secretary-general and president at the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum held in Doha, Qatar.

Commenting, Tinubu said the development will further consolidate Nigeria’s leadership in global gas diplomacy.

He expressed confidence that Dr Mshelbila and Minister Ekpo will 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,” President Tinubu said.