By Esther Olaoluwa |
Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council (WEC), a move expected to strengthen the country’s participation in global energy discussions, attract investment and deepen international collaboration as it works to improve energy security and support economic growth.
The development was announced alongside the inauguration of the Governing Board of WEC Nigeria, which will serve as Nigeria’s national committee within the global energy organisation.
WEC Nigeria will operate as an independent, impartial and technology-neutral platform bringing together government, industry, finance, academia and civil society to develop practical solutions to the country’s energy challenges.
The council said Nigeria’s membership comes at a time when the country is seeking to expand energy access, improve energy security, accelerate gas development and attract investment to support industrialisation and economic growth.
Nigeria Gains Access to Global Energy Network
Through its membership of the World Energy Council, Nigeria will have access to a global network of policymakers, investors, researchers and energy experts.
The platform is expected to enable the country to contribute more actively to international energy discussions while drawing on global knowledge and best practices to address its domestic energy needs.
The World Energy Council has more than 3,000 member organisations across over 100 countries.
Its network is expected to provide WEC Nigeria with access to international knowledge, technologies, strategic partnerships and investment opportunities for Nigerian institutions and businesses.
Welcoming Nigeria into the organisation, WEC Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, Angela Wilkinson, said the country has an important role to play in shaping global energy discussions.
“Nigeria has a significant leadership role, and the Member Committee will help bring that expertise and voice onto the world stage at the Riyadh World Energy Congress in April 2027 and beyond,” she said.
WEC Nigeria Inaugurates Governing Board
The newly inaugurated Governing Board is chaired by Abdulrazaq Isa, Co-founder and Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited.
Bala Wunti, former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, will serve as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
Other members of the board are Professor Wumi Iledare, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Mrs Aisha Farida Katagum, Dr Ainojie “Alex” Irune, Dr Emmanuel Okon, Dr Victor Ekpenyong and Dr Imamuddeen Talba.
Isa said the council would provide a platform for stronger Nigerian and African participation in the global energy community.
“We will work across sectors to advance solutions grounded in our realities, responsive to our development priorities and capable of attracting sustainable investment,” he said.
Council Targets Practical Energy Solutions
Wunti said Nigeria needs an energy system that can support inclusive economic growth while remaining secure, affordable and sustainable.
“Nigeria must build an energy system that is secure, affordable, sustainable and capable of powering shared prosperity,” he said.
He said WEC Nigeria would connect evidence, leadership and capital to action while bringing Nigerian and African realities into global energy discussions and translating international knowledge into practical solutions locally.
The council said it would promote evidence-based policy dialogue, strengthen collaboration across the energy value chain and support the development of solutions to Nigeria’s changing energy needs.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s role in the global energy transition while supporting efforts to improve energy access, attract sustainable investment and build a more resilient energy sector.
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