Nigeria’s Leadership Celebrated at GECF as NMDPRA Boss Commends Ekpo and Mshelbila

Nigeria’s influence within the global gas community received a major boost this week following the announcement of Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), as the President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting, and Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), as the new Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

In a congratulatory statement issued in Doha, Qatar, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, hailed both appointments as a “resounding testament to Nigeria’s growing credibility and global leadership in the gas industry.”

Speaking through a statement signed by Mr. George Ene-Ita, Director of Public Affairs, Ahmed described the dual achievements as symbolic of Nigeria’s “technical excellence, policy innovation, and commitment to advancing natural gas as a clean, transitional energy source.”

He lauded Dr. Mshelbila’s impressive career spanning over three decades, noting his previous leadership at Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago and his senior roles at Shell Nigeria, including as General Manager, Gas, and Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC).

Ahmed urged the new GECF Secretary-General to lead with transparency, dedication, and inclusivity, emphasizing the importance of collaborative energy diplomacy in addressing global challenges such as decarbonization, equitable pricing, and sustainable gas utilization.

“Nigeria stands ready to support the GECF’s vision of a balanced energy transition,” Ahmed affirmed. “These appointments are not only a national pride but also a call to duty for Africa to take a leading voice in shaping the future of global gas trade.”