Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed has congratulated the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo and Managing Director of Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), Dr Philip Mshelbila, on their appointments at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
While Ekpo emerged as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting, Mshelbila was elected as the new Secretary-General of the Forum.
Their appointments were made during the just-concluded 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar.
Engr. Ahmed, who also serves as the Nigerian Executive Board Member of the GECF, said the assumption of the positions at GECF by Ekpo and Mshelbila demonstrates Nigeria’s growing leadership, credibility and recognition within the global gas community. He added that the dual honours reflect the country’s strategic contributions in the energy space.
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While applauding Mshelbila’s track record in the gas industry, Ahmed 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.
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According to a statement released Thursday, signed by Mr George Ene-Ita, Director, Public Affairs Department, NMDPRA, 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.
The authority chief reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the GECF’s objective and emphasised that the nation is prepared to keep collaborating with other members to promote innovation, investment, and collaboration along the global gas value chain.
Mshelbila, who is also the Vice President of Bonny Gas Transport, brings over three decades of leadership and technical expertise in the global energy industry.
Prior to joining NLNG, he was the CEO of the Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago. He also held a number of high-level roles at Shell Nigeria, including Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and General Manager, Gas.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X
