By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

Nigeria has recorded a significant boost to its international energy diplomacy following major victories at the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) held in Doha, Qatar.

In a statement on Thursday, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON, congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on what he described as a historic diplomatic breakthrough that further cements the nation’s influence on the global stage.

At the high-level meeting, Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, was elected Secretary-General of the GECF, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s leadership role within the global gas industry.

In a further diplomatic success, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo, emerged as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.

Ambassador Tuggar noted that the elections are a direct outcome of President Tinubu’s proactive foreign engagements and renewed foreign policy drive aimed at restoring Nigeria’s prominence in international energy governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He explained that extensive lobbying and coordination through Nigeria’s missions across GECF member states played a pivotal role in securing widespread support for both candidatures.

The diplomatic effort was strengthened through targeted engagements at major global and regional summits, including the BRICS Summit in Brazil and the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

The Foreign Affairs Minister commended Mshelbila and Ekpo for their professionalism and strong industry credentials, stressing that their new positions represent “victories not only for Nigeria but for Africa’s collective voice in global energy governance.”

He expressed confidence that the duo will contribute significantly to the GECF’s efforts towards a just and sustainable global energy transition, fair resource management, and deeper cooperation among gas-producing nations.

Reiterating the Ministry’s commitment to President Tinubu’s foreign policy objectives, Ambassador Tuggar pledged continued diplomatic engagement to ensure Nigeria’s global partnerships translate into tangible economic benefits for citizens.