Ogbe commends gas minister Ekpo on election as president of Gas Exporting Countries Forum
Executive Secretary Felix Ogbe hails the appointment as a recognition of leadership and a major step for Nigeria’s global gas ambitions.
Nigeria’s leadership position in the global gas industry has received a major boost following the election of the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, as President of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe has congratulated the Minister, who also serves as Co-Chairman of the NCDMB Governing Council, describing his emergence as a well-deserved recognition of his vision, expertise, and long-standing commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s gas sector.
Engr. Ogbe stated that under the Minister’s stewardship, Nigeria has made significant progress in unlocking the potential of its vast gas resources. He cited key achievements, including accelerated midstream infrastructure development, expansion of domestic gas utilisation, and continued implementation of the Decade of Gas Initiative, programmes that align with the Federal Government’s drive to use gas as a catalyst for industrial and economic growth.
“The Minister’s tireless advocacy for gas as Nigeria’s transition fuel, and his steadfast commitment to policies that enhance investor confidence and deepen local value addition, clearly positioned him as a natural choice for this global role,” the Executive Secretary said.
Also Read: NCDMB unveils skill priorities to drive local content growth
Engr. Ogbe also congratulated Dr Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, on his election as Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). He described the dual recognition as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing influence and credibility in international energy governance.
He noted that both appointments were not accidental, but rather the outcome of deliberate efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s standing in the global gas community through policy consistency, strategic diplomacy, and collaboration among key stakeholders.
“The twin achievements of the Honourable Minister and Dr Mshelbila represent a proud moment for Nigeria and for all stakeholders in the gas value chain,” Ogbe stated. “They underscore the success of the Federal Government’s energy strategy and the Renewed Hope Agenda championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises natural gas as the main driver of industrialisation, energy security, and sustainable economic growth.”
The NCDMB Executive Secretary further commended the Minister’s continued support for Nigerian Content development and his commitment to building a globally competitive oil and gas workforce. He assured that the Board remains steadfast in its partnership with the Ministry to advance local capacity, enhance industry participation, and promote inclusive growth across the gas value chain.
Ogbe reaffirmed NCDMB’s loyalty and partnership under the Minister’s guidance and pledged the Board’s full support towards achieving Nigeria’s broader energy transition goals. He expressed confidence that the Minister’s tenure as Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) President would strengthen collaboration among member nations, attract new investments, and further consolidate Nigeria’s reputation as a key player in the global gas industry.
