Philip Mshelbila has emerged as the Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) after an election at the just concluded 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar.
Alongside him, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigeria’s minister of petroleum (gas) was also appointed as the President of the 2026 GECF ministerial meeting.
Congratulating the two leaders, Farouk Ahmed, chief executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), described both outcome as a testament to Nigeria’s growing leadership, credibility and recognition within the global gas community.
Read also: Tinubu hails Ekpo, Mshelbila’s election as President, Sec-Gen of gas exporting countries
For Ahmed, the dual honours reflect the recognition of Nigeria’s strategic contributions in the energy space.
He commended Mshelbila’s track record in the gas industry and expressed confidence that his wealth of experience will further strengthen the Forum’s role in promoting natural gas as a key driver of global energy security and sustainable development.
Ahmed charged the new Secretary-General to serve with dedication, transparency and renewed commitment to advancing the collective interests of member countries, particularly in addressing global energy transition challenges and ensuring fair value for gas resources.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the GECF’s mission and emphasised the country’s readiness to continue working with other member states to foster cooperation, investment and innovation across the global gas value chain.
Read also: Buhari tasks gas exporting nations on adequate investment
Philip Mshelbila is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and Vice President of Bonny Gas Transport, bringing over three decades of leadership and technical expertise in the global energy industry.
Before joining NLNG, he served as Chief Executive Officer of the Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago and held several senior positions within Shell Nigeria, including General Manager, Gas, and Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC).
