The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Nigeria’s historic diplomatic achievement at the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) held in Doha, Qatar.

At the meeting, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), was elected Secretary-General of the GECF while the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, emerged as President of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.

Tuggar described these dual milestones as clear testaments to President Tinubu’s proactive foreign policy and strategic vision to restore Nigeria’s influence in global energy diplomacy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He highlighted the pivotal diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in support of Nigeria’s candidature through its missions to all GECF member states.

These efforts included the formal launch of Nigeria’s campaign, coordination with African member states for unified support, and sustained lobbying of voting members.

According to the minister, the diplomatic drive was reinforced through high-level engagements at key summits such as the BRICS Summit in Brazil and the African Union 7th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. He added that strong political backing from the Presidency ensured Nigeria’s candidature received broad-based support.

Tuggar commended Mshelbila and Ekpo for their stellar credentials and experience, describing their elections as “victories not only for Nigeria but for Africa’s collective voice in global energy governance.”

He expressed confidence that both men would strengthen the GECF’s role in driving the global energy transition, promoting equitable resource management, and advancing sustainable development.

The minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to aligning its diplomatic engagements with President Tinubu’s broader vision of a reformed, respected, and economically vibrant Nigeria whose foreign policy delivers tangible benefits to its citizens.