Philip Mashalbila has emerged as the Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) following his election at the recently concluded 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Qatar.
Along with him, Nigeria's Minister of Petroleum (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo was also appointed as the Chairman of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.
Congratulating both leaders, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, described both results as testament to Nigeria's growing leadership, credibility and recognition within the global gas community.
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For Ahmed, the dual honors reflect recognition of Nigeria's strategic contribution to the energy sector.
He appreciated Mshebilila's track record in the gas industry and expressed confidence that his rich 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 work with dedication, transparency and renewed commitment to advance the collective interests of Member States, particularly addressing global energy transition challenges and ensuring fair prices for gas resources.
He reaffirmed Nigeria's support for the mission of the GECF and stressed the country's readiness to continue working with other Member States to promote cooperation, investment and innovation in the global gas value chain.
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Philip Mshelbila is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) and Vice Chairman of Bonny Gas Transport, bringing over three decades of leadership and technical expertise in the global energy industry.
Prior to joining NLNG, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago and held several senior positions within Shell Nigeria including General Manager, Gas and Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC).
