Africa’s leading advocate for gender inclusion and capacity development in the energy sector, Women in Energy Network (WIEN), congratulates the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila, on his election as Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) at the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Forum held in Doha, Qatar.
WIEN also congratulates the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, on his emergence as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting; describing both appointments as a resounding affirmation of Nigeria’s leadership and credibility in the global gas community.
President of WIEN, Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, hailed the dual achievements as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s technical competence, vision, and growing influence within the international gas industry.
“The emergence of Minister Ekpo as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting and the election of Dr. Mshelbila as Secretary-General represent a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping the global gas agenda,” Mrs. Fatai-Williams stated, adding that “these achievements call attention to our nation’s technical depth, visionary leadership, and commitment to promoting cooperation, inclusivity, and stability across the gas value chain.”
WIEN emphasized that the twin appointments validate Nigeria’s continued efforts to strengthen investment, infrastructure, and innovation across its gas sector.
Mrs. Fatai-Williams noted that Nigeria continues to demonstrate strong resolve in positioning natural gas as a catalyst for economic growth, industrialization, and sustainable development.
“Dr. Mshelbila’s election as GECF Secretary-General is a proud moment for Nigeria and Africa. His wealth of experience and steady leadership at NLNG will bring value-driven collaboration and renewed purpose to the GECF,” she said. “His appointment is a testament to excellence, consistency, and technical brilliance.”
Mrs Fatai-Williams highlighted that Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) is a proud corporate member of WIEN, upholding the values and aspirations of the Network through its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the advancement of women in the energy industry.
She declared that Dr Mshelbila’s outstanding professional and leadership pedigree reinforces WIEN’s connection to NLNG and emphasizes the organization’s role in building on shared vision of fueling home cooking with LPG and creating an industry that harnesses full human capacity irrespective of gender in delivering energy to homes and businesses.
“NLNG’s consistent support for professional growth and gender balance reflects the spirit of WIEN’s mission to build a more inclusive and innovative energy sector,” she added.
Reiterating WIEN’s mission to promote inclusivity and sustainability across the energy industry, Mrs. Fatai-Williams stressed that natural gas remains central to Nigeria’s industrial transformation and energy security.
“As a nation and as a continent, we remain committed to advancing gas as the bridge fuel for industrialization, job creation, and climate balance,” she said. “These new global roles for Minister Ekpo and Dr. Mshelbila reaffirm Nigeria’s standing as a trusted and forward-looking partner in the global energy dialogue.”
WIEN expressed confidence that both leaders will represent Nigeria with distinction, working with other member nations to strengthen cooperation, stability, and inclusivity within the global gas market.
“Their elections reflect the international community’s confidence in Nigeria’s leadership and technical expertise in the global gas sector,” Mrs. Fatai-Williams concluded. “Natural gas remains the cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Nigeria will continue to be a dependable voice in advancing equitable energy access and a cleaner energy future.”
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