At the meeting on Thursday, the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila, was elected Secretary-General of the GECF, while the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, was chosen as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.
Ambassador Tuggar described the dual achievements as a testament to President Tinubu’s proactive foreign policy and strategic vision to restore Nigeria’s influence in global energy diplomacy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs played a central role in securing Nigeria’s success through extensive diplomatic efforts, including mobilizing Nigeria’s missions in GECF member states, coordinating lobbying campaigns, and rallying support from African partners.
Tuggar revealed that the campaign benefited from sustained engagement at major international platforms such as the BRICS Summit in Brazil and the African Union 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. These efforts, he said, were reinforced by strong political backing from the Presidency, which helped secure broad-based support for Nigeria’s candidature.
Commending Dr. Mshelbila and Minister Ekpo for their expertise and leadership, the minister described their elections as “victories not only for Nigeria but for Africa’s collective voice in global energy governance.” He expressed confidence that both men would advance the GECF’s mission to drive the global energy transition, promote equitable resource management, and support sustainable development.
Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to continue aligning Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements with President Tinubu’s vision of a reformed, respected, and economically vibrant nation whose foreign policy delivers tangible benefits to its citizens.
