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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Nigeria has officially joined the World Energy Council (WEC), a move expected to deepen the country’s participation in global energy policy discussions, attract investment, and strengthen international collaboration as it pursues energy security and sustainable economic growth.
The development was announced on Wednesday alongside the inauguration of the Governing Board of the newly established WEC Nigeria, which will serve as the country’s national committee within the global energy organisation.
According to a statement, WEC Nigeria will function as an independent, impartial and technology-neutral platform, bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, finance, academia and civil society to develop practical, evidence-based solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
The council said Nigeria’s admission into the global body comes at a critical period as the country seeks to expand energy access, improve energy security, accelerate gas development, attract investment and mobilise capital to support industrialisation and economic growth.
With membership of the World Energy Council, Nigeria is expected to gain access to a global network of policymakers, investors, researchers and energy experts, enabling the country to contribute more actively to international energy debates while leveraging global best practices to address domestic energy needs.
The newly inaugurated Governing Board is chaired by the Co-founder and Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Abdulrazaq Isa, while former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, Bala Wunti, will serve as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
Other members of the board include Professor Wumi Iledare, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Mrs Aisha Farida Katagum, Dr Ainojie “Alex” Irune, Dr Emmanuel Okon, Dr Victor Ekpenyong and Dr Imamuddeen Talba.
Welcoming Nigeria into the organisation, World Energy Council Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer, Angela Wilkinson, said the country has a critical 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.
Speaking on the significance of the development, Isa said WEC Nigeria would provide a platform for stronger national and African leadership within 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.
Also speaking, Wunti stressed the need for Nigeria to develop an energy system capable of driving inclusive economic growth.
“Nigeria must build an energy system that is secure, affordable, sustainable and capable of powering shared prosperity.
“WEC Nigeria will connect evidence with leadership, leadership with capital and capital with action, bringing Nigerian and African realities into global energy thinking while translating global insight into practical, investable solutions at home,” he said.
The statement noted that through the World Energy Council’s network of more than 3,000 member organisations across over 100 countries, WEC Nigeria will facilitate access to international knowledge, technologies, strategic partnerships and investment opportunities for Nigerian institutions and businesses.
It added that the council will also promote evidence-based policy dialogue, strengthen collaboration across the energy value chain and support the development of practical solutions to Nigeria’s evolving energy needs, positioning the country to play a more influential role in the global energy transition.
