Abuja: Nigeria has rejoined the World Energy Council (WEC) with the inauguration of a National Member Committee and Governing Board to strengthen the country’s participation in global energy policy and investment discussions. The announcement marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to bolster its role in the international energy sector.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nigeria’s renewed membership was disclosed in a statement by Dr Angela Wilkinson, the Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of WEC. The statement emphasized Nigeria’s potential leadership within the global energy community. Wilkinson noted that Nigeria’s involvement will facilitate a platform for diverse stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia, to address key issues like energy security, equity, and sustainability.
NAN reports that Nigeria has been a member of the council since 1960, with the Nigerian National Committee originally established in April of that year. The re-establishment and expansion of the committee this year signify a renewed commitment to engaging with the global energy dialogue. The newly inaugurated board comprises experts in various fields, including policy, regulation, investment, and technology, and is chaired by Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, the Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Ltd. Mr Bala Wunti, a former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Ltd., has been appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
Welcoming Nigeria back to the council, Wilkinson highlighted the critical timing of this membership as the country aims to expand energy access and accelerate gas development. She emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming World Energy Congress in Riyadh in April 2027 and beyond. Wilkinson also noted that the WEC Nigeria will utilize the Energy Trilemma framework to tailor solutions to Nigeria’s energy context, promoting dialogue and collaboration.
The statement also included remarks from the Chairman of WEC Nigeria, Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, who described the membership as an opportunity to enhance national and African leadership in the global energy community. He stressed that the platform will foster cross-sector collaboration and attract sustainable investments into Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Chief Executive Officer of WEC Nigeria, Mr Bala Wunti, expressed that the council would link leadership, evidence, and investment to create a secure and sustainable energy system capable of driving economic growth. He emphasized the role of the platform in connecting Nigerian institutions with international opportunities through the World Energy Council’s network.
Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council remains the oldest independent community of energy leaders, promoting informed and collaborative actions across the global energy system.