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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Nigeria has strengthened its leadership in the global energy sector with the appointment of Mr. Ademola Adeyemi-Bero as the Chairman of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Board of Governors for 2025.
The decision was made at the 189th OPEC Conference, according to a statement issued by SA. Media and Communication to the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil), on Tuesday.
Prior to his appointment as the Chairman of the OPEC Board of Governors, Adeyemi-Bero was confirmed as Nigeria’s OPEC Governor for the year 2025.
“This prestigious role highlights Nigeria’s influence within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and underscores the nation’s commitment to shaping global energy policies,” says the statement.
Speaking on the appointment, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described it as a testament to Nigeria’s robust contributions to the global oil industry. He said that the position would enable Nigeria to advocate for balanced energy policies benefiting producers, consumers, and the global economy.
The Minister also commended Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, Nigeria’s outgoing OPEC Governor, for his distinguished service and efforts in advancing Nigeria’s interests within the organization.
In addition to Mr. Adeyemi-Bero’s appointment, Eng. Adeeb Al-Aama, Saudi Arabia’s Governor for OPEC, was named Alternate Chairman of the Board of Governors for 2025.
The OPEC Conference, which brought together representatives from member nations, addressed key issues such as the Secretary-General’s reports, updates from the Economic Commission Board, and other internal matters. It also extended the tenure of Haitham Al Ghais as OPEC Secretary-General for three years, effective August 1, 2025, in recognition of his exceptional leadership.
Mr. Adeyemi-Bero is a distinguished energy executive with 38 years of experience in various leadership roles across the international and Nigerian oil and gas sectors.
He is the founder and CEO/Managing Director of FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited, a Nigerian independent company focused on oil, gas, and evolving energy solutions.
His career spans notable roles, including President of BG Nigeria, where he developed an integrated gas business, and over 20 years with Shell in technical, commercial, and leadership capacities across multiple countries.
Mr. Adeyemi-Bero holds an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from Imperial College London and a BSc in Civil Engineering from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. He also completed an Executive MBA at IMD Lausanne in Switzerland and participated in the Business Leadership Programme at Wharton Business School.
Currently, he serves on various boards, including NDWestern Limited, Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, and the Nigerian University of Technology and Management, bringing his vast expertise to diverse organisations.
