Nigeria has secured two high-profile positions at the recently concluded Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) 27th Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Qatar.
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, applauded the dual achievements, describing them as evidence of the administration’s revitalised foreign policy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“These dual milestones are clear testaments to President 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 stated.
At the meeting:
- Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was elected Secretary-General of the GECF.
- Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), emerged as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.
Tuggar credited sustained and coordinated diplomatic efforts – including campaigns by Nigeria’s missions to GECF member states and high-level bilateral engagements at summits such as BRICS and the African Union – for the success. He emphasised that the backing from the Presidency was pivotal in securing broad-based support.
He added:
“Nigeria’s growing stature in global energy diplomacy has been reaffirmed through its recent success at the 27 Ministerial Meeting of GECF… This outcome is the product of deliberate, quiet diplomacy and Nigeria’s sustained engagement with fellow gas-exporting nations.”
The minister expressed confidence that both Mshelbila and Ekpo will represent Nigeria with distinction, deepening cooperation among gas-producing nations, promoting market stability, and advancing sustainable energy transitions.
Observers view this as a major win for Nigeria’s energy diplomacy, positioning the country to play a more influential role in agenda-setting within the GECF and shaping global gas market policy.
