President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Philip Mshelbila, on their recent international appointments. Ekpo was named President of the 2026 Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Ministerial Meeting, while Mshelbila emerged as the Secretary-General of the GECF. The announcement was made in a statement released on Wednesday by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

The appointments were confirmed during the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the GECF, held in Doha, Qatar, where member nations elected the Nigerian duo to key leadership positions. Tinubu described their emergence as a significant milestone that reaffirms Nigeria’s growing influence in global gas diplomacy and showcases the nation’s strong expertise in the energy sector.

President Tinubu expressed confidence that both Ekpo and Mshelbila would bring honor to the country through their leadership and collaboration with other member states. He emphasized that their roles would help strengthen cooperation, stability, and inclusivity in the global gas industry, further promoting Nigeria’s strategic interests.

According to Tinubu, the development is a reflection of the international community’s trust in Nigeria’s leadership and technical capabilities. He stated that under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, natural gas would continue to play a central role in driving industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation.

“The Nigerian government is proud of Mshelbila’s election as Secretary-General and Ekpo’s emergence as President of the GECF Ministerial Meeting,” Tinubu said, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to advancing equitable energy access and promoting a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.