Foreign affairs minister Yusuf Tuggar has affirmed Nigeria’s important role in global gas exports and energy stability.

This was disclosed in a statement by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir. The statement came against the backdrop of the recent election of Philip Mshelbila, managing director of Nigeria LNG Limited, as secretary-general of the GECF, during the 27th Ministerial Meeting of the forum in Doha, Qatar.

Also, Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), was elected president of the 2026 GECF Ministerial Meeting.

According to him, Nigeria’s growing role within the Gas Exporting Countries Forum underscores the country’s centrality to shaping sustainable energy.

Mr Tuggar said, “Nigeria’s growing stature in global energy diplomacy has been reaffirmed through its recent success at the 27 Ministerial Meeting of GECF. Such is  a gathering that brings together the world’s leading gas-producing nations to coordinate policies and promote energy security and market stability.

“Nigeria’s securing these global leadership positions was made possible through sustained energy diplomacy and strategic engagement led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This outcome is the product of deliberate, quiet diplomacy and Nigeria’s sustained engagement with fellow gas-exporting nations. It validates the confidence of the international community in Nigeria’s integrity, competence, and leadership within the global energy transition space.”

He commended Messrs Mshelbila and Ekpo, who will represent Nigeria with distinction, working closely with other member states to deepen cooperation, strengthen market stability, and advance a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable global gas market.

“Mshelbila’s election and Minister Ekpo’s new mandate both reflect our country’s commitment to promoting cooperation, market stability, and inclusivity across the gas value chain. Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria continues to project responsible energy leadership rooted in democracy, development, and diplomacy,” he added.

Mr Tuggar highlighted the pivotal diplomatic efforts undertaken by the ministry in collaboration with Nigeria’s embassies and high commissions, which have been instrumental in securing widespread support for Nigeria’s candidature.

He further said that such efforts were reinforced by bilateral engagements at key international fora, including the BRICS Summit in Brazil and the African Union’s Seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Also, the campaign benefited from high-level political backing from the Presidency, ensuring Nigeria’s victory enjoyed continental and global endorsement.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest gas producer with proven reserves exceeding 210 trillion cubic feet. Nigeria has initiated policies like the ‘Decade of Gas’ to boost gas production, expand infrastructure, and leverage its position as a key energy supplier.

(NAN)