Apostle Abasiandikan Nkono, the Akwa Ibom State representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Governing Board, has described the election of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo as President of the 2026 Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) as a “watershed moment for Akwa Ibom State and the Niger Delta.”
The declaration came in an exclusive interview in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, following the announcement from the 27th GECF Ministerial Meeting in Doha, Qatar.
“For the first time, a son of our region, who understands our specific challenges, will be sitting on the highest chair of the meeting of global gas diplomacy. This puts our issues on the front burner. It is a confirmation that a gold fish has no hiding place. The Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo I know will definitely discharge his responsibilities with aplomb,” Apostle Nkono declared emphatically.
Nkono highlighted that Ekpo’s position, coupled with the election of Nigeria LNG’s Dr. Philip Mshelbila as GECF Secretary-General, creates a powerful Nigerian bloc.
“We have two of our great minds in the ship of the world’s premier gas organization. This is strategic. It means when they speak about investment, technology, and fair markets, Nigeria and the Niger Delta have the microphone.”
The NDDC Commissioner urged for immediate action to leverage this new influence, promising that his office is open for collaboration.
“My message to everyone is clear: we must not let this opportunity cool off. We need to channel this global visibility into tangible projects and initiatives here.
The NDDC is ready to partner to make this a reality for our people.”
He concluded, “Hon. Ekpo’s success is our success. It is a call to duty for all of us to ensure that this international prestige translates to local development, jobs, and a cleaner environment for the people of Akwa Ibom and the entire Niger Delta.”
GECF is an intergovernmental organization comprising 20 countries that are leading natural gas producers, controlling over 71% of the world’s proven gas reserves.
It aims to promote dialogue and cooperation among its member countries, ensuring stability and security in the global gas market.
