President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s formal admission as the newest National Member Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC), describing the development as a vote of confidence in the country’s energy reforms and leadership role in Africa.
The President said Nigeria’s entry into the global energy organisation would give the country a stronger platform to participate in international discussions on energy security, equity and sustainability.
According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Nigeria’s admission places the country within a global network spanning more than 100 countries.
President Tinubu said membership would enable Nigeria to contribute more actively to global energy policy discussions while helping to advance Africa’s interests in the sector.
He described the development as a significant moment for Nigeria’s energy industry and a reflection of the country’s growing role in shaping the future of energy.
Tinubu Congratulates Bala Wunti and Abdulrazaq Isa
The President congratulated the inaugural leadership of WEC Nigeria, particularly Abdulrazaq Isa, OFR, who will serve as Chairman, and Bala Wunti, who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer.
He also congratulated other members of the inaugural board, drawn from different areas of the energy value chain, including regulatory institutions, industry associations, finance, academia and the Future Energy Leaders community.
Tinubu described the diverse composition of the board as important to establishing the balance, neutrality and credibility required for WEC Nigeria to succeed.
President Tinubu Commends Bala Wunti’s Energy Sector Experience
The President also described Bala Wunti as one of Nigeria’s leading energy strategists and reform advocates.
Tinubu highlighted Wunti’s more than three decades of service, saying his career has been characterised by integrity, strategic vision and reforms that strengthened national revenues and helped restore investor confidence in Nigeria’s energy sector.
The President expressed confidence that the combination of experienced industry leaders, regulators, finance professionals and young energy leaders would strengthen the new WEC Nigeria board.
The President Praises WEC Nigeria Chairman
President Tinubu described Abdulrazaq Isa as a distinguished patriot and trailblazing industrialist.
According to the President, Isa’s investments in indigenous refining and industrial energy have helped open new opportunities for Nigerian businesses and enterprise.
Tinubu said Isa’s experience would be valuable as Nigeria begins its participation in the global energy council.
Tinubu: Nigeria Will Lead, Not Just Participate
President Tinubu said Nigeria’s membership of the World Energy Council should go beyond symbolic participation.
“Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council to lead, not just participate – to ensure Africa’s voice shapes global energy decisions.”
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s support for WEC Nigeria as a neutral and technology-agnostic platform for policy dialogue, investment mobilisation and innovation.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working with WEC London and the council’s global community to promote secure, affordable and sustainable energy.
WEC Nigeria Expected to Support Energy Investment and Innovation
The new national committee is expected to provide a platform for dialogue among policymakers, industry stakeholders, investors, academics and young energy professionals.
For Nigeria, participation in the World Energy Council could also create opportunities to strengthen international partnerships and contribute to conversations around Africa’s evolving energy needs.
President Tinubu wished the Chairman, CEO and inaugural board members success as they begin what he described as a historic national assignment.
