The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has hailed the emergence of Dr. Philip Mshelbila and Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo in key leadership roles within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), noting it reflects President Bola Tinubu’s strategic drive in the gas sector.
Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG, was elected Secretary-General of the Forum at its 27th Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Qatar, while the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekpo, was named President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.
NNPC Ltd. Group CEO, Mr Bashir Ojulari, described the appointments as a milestone for Nigeria’s gas expansion agenda and a boost to the country’s global energy influence. He commended Mshelbila’s role in strengthening LNG exports and domestic supply, positioning Nigeria prominently on the global energy map.
Ojulari also praised Ekpo’s efforts toward industrialisation through gas utilisation, expressing confidence that both leaders will advance natural gas as a key driver of sustainable growth across Africa.
Similarly, Authority Chief Executive of NMDPRA and Nigerian GECF Executive Board Member, Mr Farouk Ahmed, said the dual roles underscore Nigeria’s credibility and expanding leadership in the global gas space.
Mshelbila succeeds Algeria’s Mohamed Hamel as the Forum’s fifth Secretary-General.
