Nigeria has secured a strategic position on the global energy stage following the inauguration of its National Member Committee and Governing Board under the World Energy Council (WEC), a development expected to strengthen the country’s influence in international energy policy while supporting efforts to address domestic challenges related to energy security, affordability and sustainability.
The move marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s renewed engagement with the century-old global energy organisation and comes at a time when the country is implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at expanding electricity access, accelerating natural gas development, attracting investment and driving industrial growth.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the media office of the World Energy Council Nigeria, the newly established National Member Committee will serve as an independent, impartial and technology-neutral platform that brings together stakeholders from government, the private sector, financial institutions, academia and civil society to develop practical and evidence-based solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.
Central to the committee’s work will be addressing the Energy Trilemma—the globally recognised challenge of balancing energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.
The Council said Nigeria’s renewed participation opens a new chapter in its longstanding relationship with the global organisation and creates an avenue for the country to contribute more actively to international energy discussions while benefiting from global expertise.
“World Energy Council Nigeria will provide an independent, impartial and technology-neutral platform bringing together government, industry, finance, academia and civil society to advance practical responses to Nigeria’s Energy Trilemma: energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability,” the statement said.
Experienced Leadership to Drive Nigeria’s Energy Agenda
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, Mustapha Abdullahi, Aisha Farida Katagum, Ainojie “Alex” Irune, Emmanuel Okon, Victor Ekpenyong and Imamuddeen Talba.
According to the Council, the board comprises professionals with extensive expertise across energy policy, upstream and downstream petroleum operations, regulation, investment, technology, research and enterprise development.
Nigeria’s Global Influence to Grow
Welcoming Nigeria into the global network, the Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council, Angela Wilkinson, described the country’s participation as a major boost to Africa’s representation in global energy governance.
She said Nigeria occupies a strategic leadership position on the continent and would now have a stronger platform to shape international conversations on energy development.
“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,” Wilkinson said.
Critical Timing for Nigeria’s Energy Reforms
The Council noted that Nigeria’s return comes at a crucial period as the country seeks to improve electricity access, strengthen energy security, accelerate domestic gas utilisation and mobilise investments needed to support economic growth and industrialisation.
It explained that the Nigerian chapter would convene stakeholders across the entire energy value chain while applying the World Energy Council’s globally recognised Energy Trilemma framework to Nigeria’s unique economic and developmental realities.
The platform is also expected to encourage evidence-based dialogue, strengthen collaboration between public and private sector actors and promote informed policymaking that reflects both national priorities and global best practices.
Isa: Nigeria Ready for Greater Global Leadership
Speaking on the significance of Nigeria’s renewed membership, Chairman of the Governing Board, Abdulrazaq Isa, described the development as an opportunity for both Nigeria and Africa to assume stronger leadership within the global energy community.
He said the platform would help develop practical solutions tailored to Nigeria’s development needs while creating a more attractive environment for sustainable investment.
“Nigeria’s participation marks more than renewed participation; it creates 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,” Isa said.
Wunti: Nigeria Must Build an Affordable, Sustainable Energy Future
Chief Executive Officer of WEC Nigeria, Bala Wunti, stressed the importance of building an energy system capable of meeting the demands of Nigeria’s rapidly growing population while supporting long-term economic prosperity.
According to him, the Council would serve as a bridge between research, leadership, finance and implementation to ensure practical solutions are delivered.
“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,” Wunti said.
Gateway to Global Investment and Innovation
The Council said Nigeria’s membership provides access to its global network of more than 3,000 member organisations across over 100 countries, creating opportunities for Nigerian institutions, policymakers and businesses to benefit from international knowledge, emerging technologies, strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.
It added that the Nigerian chapter would amplify the country’s voice in global energy discussions while strengthening cooperation between local stakeholders and international partners working to achieve sustainable energy development.
A Strategic Opportunity for Nigeria
Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council is regarded as the world’s oldest independent and impartial organisation dedicated to promoting global cooperation on energy policy. It brings together governments, businesses, researchers and industry leaders to develop practical solutions to complex energy challenges.
Nigeria’s renewed participation comes as the Federal Government continues implementing major reforms across the energy sector, including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), electricity market reforms, expansion of domestic gas utilisation and increased investment in renewable energy, oil and gas, as well as critical minerals.
Industry stakeholders believe Nigeria’s active participation in the World Energy Council will improve policy coordination, boost investor confidence, strengthen international partnerships and provide the country with greater influence in shaping global energy transition policies while advancing its own energy security and economic development objectives.
