Ekperikpe Ekpo becomes president of 2026 GECF ministerial meeting

Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), has been selected president of the 2026 ministerial meeting of the gas exporting countries forum (GECF).

According to a statement from the ministry of foreign affairs, the announcement was made during the 27th GECF ministerial meeting held in Doha, Qatar, where Philip Mshelbila, managing director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was also elected secretary-general of the forum.

“Dr Mshelbila’s election and Minister Ekpo’s new mandate both reflect our country’s commitment to promoting cooperation, market stability, and inclusivity across the gas value chain,” the statement said.

“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria continues to project responsible energy leadership rooted in democracy, development, and diplomacy.”

Reacting to the development, Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, congratulated President Bola Tinubu on what he described as a historic diplomatic achievement for Nigeria.

Tuggar described the dual milestones as “clear testaments to Tinubu’s proactive foreign policy engagements and his strategic vision to restore Nigeria’s influence in global energy diplomacy under the renewed hope agenda”.

He said the success was the result of sustained energy diplomacy, diplomatic outreach, and strategic back-channel engagements coordinated by the ministry of foreign affairs in collaboration with Nigeria’s missions to GECF member states.

‘OUTCOME PRODUCT OF SUSTAINED ENGAGEMENT’

The statement said the ministry launched Nigeria’s campaign and mobilised unified support from African member nations, reinforcing the country’s credibility and leadership within the global gas community.

“This outcome is the product of deliberate, quiet diplomacy and Nigeria’s sustained engagement with fellow gas-exporting nations,” Tuggar said.

“It underscores the confidence of the international community in Nigeria’s integrity, competence, and leadership within the global energy transition space.”

The minister highlighted the pivotal role played by Nigeria’s embassies and high commissions in rallying support for the country’s candidature, noting that the campaign was reinforced by high-level engagements at the BRICS summit in Brazil and the African Union’s 7th mid-year coordination meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

He said the campaign also benefited from political backing from the presidency, ensuring continental and global endorsement for Nigeria’s bid.

Tuggar commended Mshelbila and Ekpo for their professional achievements and described their elections as “victories not only for Nigeria but for Africa’s collective voice in global energy governance”.

He expressed confidence that both men would strengthen the GECF’s capacity to drive the global energy transition, promote equitable resource management, and advance sustainable development.

The minister added that Nigeria’s leadership within the GECF—an intergovernmental organisation representing most of the world’s proven gas reserves and over 70 percent of global LNG trade—cements the country’s role as a key player in shaping the future of the global gas market.

Tuggar reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements with Tinubu’s vision of a reformed, respected, and economically vibrant nation, whose foreign policy delivers tangible benefits for its citizens.

Confirming the appointment on X, Ekpo said he was honoured to be selected as president for the 2026 GECF ministerial meeting.

He commended Tinubu for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to positioning gas at the centre of Nigeria’s energy transformation.

“Congratulations to Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria Lng, on his election as Secretary-General of GECF — a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa,” the minister said.

Ekpo added that under their joint leadership, Nigeria would continue to champion gas as a pillar of global energy security, sustainability, and shared prosperity.