Shettima, UTM FLNG boss to attend GECF Summit

— Rone invited to Moscow meeting on global gas market

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UTM FLNG Limited, Julius Rone, is expected to accompany Vice President Kashim Shettima to the 8th Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Summit scheduled for October 27, 2026, in Moscow, Russia.

The invitation, conveyed in a letter dated October 5, 2026, from the Office of the Vice President, is aimed at supporting Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships and explore investment opportunities across the gas value chain.

The letter, with reference number SH/OVP/DCOS/MISC/5, was signed by Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President.

According to Hadejia, Shettima invited Rone to join the Nigerian delegation to the summit, which is expected to bring together leaders of gas-exporting countries to discuss developments in the global gas market.

Hadejia said the meeting would provide an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and examine the role of natural gas in advancing energy security and sustainable development.

He added that Rone’s participation would support Nigeria’s efforts to deepen strategic partnerships and identify investment opportunities across the gas industry.

The letter requested that Rone confirm his acceptance of the invitation, noting that details of the itinerary would be communicated later.

Rone, popularly known as the “Gas King”, recently received the Megastar Man of the Decade 2026 Award from Megastar Media Communications.

The award organisers reportedly recognised his efforts to advance floating liquefied natural gas technology in Nigeria, with the aim of monetising the country’s gas resources, creating jobs and generating revenue for the government.