The International Gas Union (IGU) has appointed, President of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA), Akachukwu Nwokedi, as its Regional Coordinator for Africa.

The announcement was made at the recent World Gas Conference (WGC) held in Beijing, China.
Nwokedi’s appointment is in recognition of his significant contributions and that of the NGA to advancing natural gas as a key driver of energy security and sustainable development across Africa.

The role also reaffirms Nigeria’s leadership position in Africa’s gas industry.
As regional coordinator, Nwokedi will serve as the principal liaison between the IGU and its African member countries. His responsibilities include advocating policies that foster gas development, facilitating knowledge exchange among stakeholders, coordinating regional gas events and providing strategic insights into Africa’s evolving energy landscape to shape the IGU’s global agenda.

He succeeds Khaled Abu Bakr of Egypt, who previously oversaw IGU’s African and Middle Eastern affairs and was recently elected Vice-President of the IGU for the 2028–2031 term. The transition marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s growing presence in global energy governance.

Nwokedi described the appointment as both an honour and a critical responsibility.

“It acknowledges Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s gas sector while providing an important platform to advocate for sustainable energy solutions that will drive economic development across our continent. I look forward to strengthening collaboration between African nations and the global gas community,” he said.

The position is expected to play a key role in driving access to energy through infrastructure development, promoting sustainable energy practices and deepening regional cooperation in Africa’s dynamic gas sector.