Philip Mshelbila Appointed Secretary-General of Global Gas Forum

Nigeria’s influence in the global gas sector received a boost as Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was elected Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

His election took place during the 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting held in Doha, Qatar. Alongside him, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, was appointed President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.

Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), congratulated both men, describing their emergence as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing leadership and credibility in the global gas community.

According to Ahmed, the dual appointments highlight the recognition of Nigeria’s strategic role in advancing natural gas development, energy security, and sustainability. He commended Mshelbila’s track record, noting that his decades of experience will help strengthen GECF’s mission to promote gas as a key component of the global energy mix.

Ahmed urged the new Secretary-General to lead with transparency, dedication, and renewed commitment to the collective interests of member nations, particularly in navigating global energy transition challenges and ensuring fair value for gas resources.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s continued support for GECF’s objectives, pledging collaboration with other member countries to promote cooperation, investment, and innovation across the global gas value chain.

Mshelbila, who also serves as Vice President of Bonny Gas Transport, brings over 30 years of technical and leadership experience to his new role. Before joining NLNG, he was Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic LNG Company of Trinidad and Tobago and held key positions within Shell Nigeria, including General Manager, Gas, and Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC).