Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has stated that the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) must remain a formidable bloc to ensure fair pricing, drive investments in the industry, and ultimately protect the interests of developing nations in the global energy transition agenda.
Ekpo made the call during his address at the 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Qatar on Thursday, October 23.
The minister, who reaffirmed Nigeria’s firm belief that natural gas remains central to the global energy transition, said the country is committed to using gas to power industrialization, promote energy access, and lift millions out of poverty, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He expressed optimism that through cooperation, the country can build a sustainable, gas-powered future for all.
READ ALSO: Dangote Refinery: PENGASSAN, NUPENG Actions Threaten National Security – Expert
GECF is an intergovernmental organisation currently comprising 20 countries of the world’s leading natural gas producers, of which Nigeria is one of them.
At the Summit which opened on Tuesday, October 21, the minister, who led the Federal Government delegation, said the Tinubu’s administration has a vision of transforming natural gas into the cornerstone of the nation’s industrial growth and energy independence.
According to a statement released by the Presidency, Ekpo said the focus of the administration on midstream gas infrastructure from processing plants to pipelines, storage, and conversion facilities, highlights President Tinubu’s determination to move Nigeria from a resource-dependent economy to a fully integrated gas-powered industrial nation. “President Tinubu has made it clear that gas is the pathway to a more prosperous, energy-secure, and industrialised Nigeria. Our engagements at the GECF are designed to attract partnerships and investments that will accelerate this transformation and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a dependable global energy partner,” Ekpo stated.
READ ALSO: Shell Secures $2bn New Offshore Gas Investment in Nigeria
On his part, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Engr. Farouk Ahmed, highlighted ongoing efforts to stabilise and expand the domestic gas value chain.
He said Nigeria’s gas reforms and enhancements to the regulatory environment are unlocking opportunities for both domestic utilisation and international collaboration across the value chain.
Pinnacle Daily reports that Ekpo emerged as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting, while Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was elected as Secretary-General of the forum.
In a congratulatory message to Ekpo and Mshelbila, President Tinubu said the development reaffirms Nigeria’s leadership in global gas diplomacy.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president expressed confidence that Ekpo and Mshelbila have the capacity to represent Nigeria well and collaborate with other member states to deepen cooperation, stability, and inclusivity in the global gas market.
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.
