Nigeria has taken the helm of affairs at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) following the appointment of two senior energy sector officials from the country into key positions.
At the 27th Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar, Ekperikpe Ekpo, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), was elected President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting, while Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was appointed Secretary-General of the GECF, succeeding Algeria’s Mohamed Hamel.
These dual appointments mark a significant diplomatic win for Nigeria and reflect its growing influence in global energy governance.
Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, described the development as a “clear testament to President Bola Tinubu’s proactive foreign policy engagements” under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nigeria is currently the biggest oil producer from Africa in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), where it already helps shape global energy markets.
Could this be another strategic seat at the energy table?
The GECF, often dubbed the “OPEC of gas,” brings together countries that control about 69% of the world’s proven natural gas reserves.
They also account for 39% of marketed production, contribute 40% of global gas exports, and represent 51% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports.
Its mission is to foster cooperation among member states, promote stable energy markets, and advocate for the role of gas in the global energy transition.
With Nigeria now holding both the presidency and the secretary-generalship, the country is uniquely positioned to shape conversations around:
- energy security
- pricing
- infrastructure investment
- climate policy
What does Nigeria’s gas ambition look like?
Nigeria holds the largest proven natural gas reserves in Africa—put at 210 Tcf—and has long sought to monetise this resource more effectively.
In 2021, former president Muhammadu Buhari launched the “Decade of Gas” initiative to harness the country’s vast gas reserves to drive economic growth and development.
With projects like the $10bn NLNG Train 7 expansion and the proposed Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, the country is aiming to become a major player in both regional and global gas supply.
There are also a number of ongoing gas projects led by independent and indigenous players like Seplat Energy that will also boost domestic supplies.
The government estimates domestic LPG consumption to grow from the current 1.5m t/yr to 5m t/yr by 2030, by which time it would have phased out routine gas flaring across the country.
However, challenges like inadequate infrastructure, regulatory hurdles, and market volatility have slowed progress.
Nigeria’s leadership in GECF could help unlock new partnerships, attract investment, and push for fairer terms in global gas trade.
What does this mean for Nigeria and Africa?
As President of the 2026 Ministerial Meeting, Ekpo will steer discussions among member states, while Mshelbila will manage the forum’s day-to-day operations and strategic direction.
Together, they represent a powerful duo capable of advancing Nigeria’s energy diplomacy and amplifying Africa’s voice in global energy debates.
This isn’t just a win for Nigeria. It signals that the global gas narrative is shifting, and Africa is no longer on the sidelines but in the court of play.
The new role offers Nigeria a chance to elevate African priorities—especially the continent’s push to use gas as a transitional fuel amid growing pressure to decarbonise.
Currently, there are five African members in the GECF including Algeria, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Nigeria, while others like Angola, Mauritania, Mozambique and Senegal are on observer members status.
The GECF remains open to welcoming new members who share its principles and objectives, as outlined in its Agreement and Statute.
Mshelbila will assume the role as the fifth leader of the forum for a two-year renewable tenure beginning from 1 January 2026, a day after Hamel – a former Sonatrach worker – must have stepped down officially.
Nigeria will be the first ever secretary general of the forum from sub-Saharan Africa. Previous leaders have been from Qatar, Russia, Iran and currently Algeria.