Nigeria has rejoined the World Energy Council (WEC) with the inauguration of a National Member Committee and Governing Board aimed at strengthening the country’s role in global energy policy, investment and development discussions.
The renewed membership was announced on Thursday in a statement by WEC Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Angela Wilkinson.
Wilkinson said Nigeria had an important role to play in shaping the global energy landscape, particularly as the country seeks to expand energy access, improve energy security and attract investment.
Nigeria was previously a member of the council, with its National Committee approved and established on 6 April 1960. The committee has now been re-established and expanded to reflect current energy priorities.
The new platform will bring together representatives from government, industry, academia, finance and civil society to address issues relating to energy security, affordability and environmental sustainability.
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The Governing Board comprises specialists in energy policy, regulation, investment, operations, research, technology and enterprise development.
The board is chaired by the Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Ltd., Abdulrazaq Isa, while a former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bala Wunti, will serve as Chief Executive Officer.
Other members include Prof. Wumi Iledare, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Mrs Aisha Farida Katagum, Dr Ainojie Irune, Dr Emmanuel Okon, Dr Victor Ekpenyong and Dr Imamuddeen Talba.
Wilkinson said Nigeria’s renewed participation would enable the country to contribute more actively to international energy discussions, including at the World Energy Congress scheduled to hold in Riyadh in April 2027.
She said the WEC Nigeria platform would apply the council’s Energy Trilemma framework to the country’s circumstances while promoting evidence-based policymaking, cross-sector cooperation and investment.
Isa described the development as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria and Africa’s leadership in the global energy sector through practical solutions tailored to regional needs.
He said the platform would encourage collaboration among stakeholders and help attract sustainable investment into Nigeria’s energy industry.
Wunti said WEC Nigeria would link leadership, research and investment to support the development of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system capable of driving economic growth.
He added that the initiative would connect Nigerian businesses and institutions to international expertise, technology, partnerships and investment opportunities through the council’s global network.
Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council is an independent global network of energy leaders and practitioners focused on promoting informed, collaborative and practical solutions to challenges facing the energy sector.
