Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo. and Philps Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, has been elected as President and Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) respectively. Mshelbila assumes the position from outgoing Secretary General Mohamed Hamel, who led the organization through a period of significant growth and development.
As a leading voice in global gas dialogue, the GECF unites major producers under a common goal of promoting dialogue and advancing energy security worldwide. With leadership moving from one African to another, the GECF’s selection cements Africa’s prominence in global gas discussions and is expected to support the continent’s efforts to position gas as the energy solution of the future.
“With African leadership at the helm of the GECF, we have the opportunity to shape global gas dialogue, advocate for fair investment, and position our gas as a cornerstone of global energy security. We thank outgoing Secretary-General Hamel, who has been a great friend and partner of the AEC and Africa. He brought Mauritania, Mozambique, Angola, and Senegal into the global gas family and championed the fight against energy poverty. With leadership moving from one African to another, the GECF will continue making gas the priority of our continent’s development,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
The appointments come as African nations emerge as drivers of global gas production. From established gas markets such as Nigeria, Angola, Libya, and Algeria, to emerging producers such as Senegal, Mauritania, Mozambique, and the Republic of Congo, Africa is rapidly positioning gas as a central component of the continent’s future development.
