President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, on his election as Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) during the 27th Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar.

Describing the development as a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa, President Tinubu said it reaffirms the nation’s leadership in global gas diplomacy and commitment to the ideals of the GECF, which include promoting cooperation among gas-producing nations, ensuring market stability, advancing equitable access to energy, and championing cleaner, more sustainable development.

He noted that under the Renewed Hope Agenda, gas remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation.

The President also congratulated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, on his selection as President for the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting, saying these milestones reflect global confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to lead with responsibility and vision.

President Tinubu commended the contributions of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Authority Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigeria’s GECF Executive Board Member, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, as well as other member countries for their invaluable efforts in achieving this milestone.

As Nigeria assumes greater responsibility within the Forum, the President urged the GECF to continue advocating policies that ensure fair value for natural gas, deepen investment and collaboration, and strengthen the role of gas as a bridge to a more secure and sustainable global energy future.