Nigeria Rejoins World Energy Council, Boosts Africa’s Voice in Global Energy Transition
Nigeria has rejoined the World Energy Council through a newly established national Member Committee, strengthening the country’s role in global discussions on energy security, investment and the transition to cleaner and more inclusive energy systems.
The World Energy Council said on Wednesday that Nigeria’s return to its international network would bring the experience and perspectives of Africa’s most populous country into critical conversations about the future of energy.
Nigeria’s diverse energy resources, expanding market and ongoing policy, financing and structural reforms position it to play a leading role in shaping energy systems across Africa and beyond, the organisation said.
Dr Angela Wilkinson, secretary-general and chief executive officer of the World Energy Council, welcomed the Nigerian committee, describing the development as an important addition to the council’s global leadership community.
“I’m delighted to welcome the new Nigerian Member Committee into the World Energy Council leadership community,” Wilkinson said.
“Africa is writing its transformational energy future, connecting abundant resources, entrepreneurial talent and growing regional cooperation in new ways. 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.”
The new committee is governed by a board comprising leaders from the public and private sectors, academia and international energy institutions.
Abdulrazaq Isa, co-founder and chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, will serve as chairman of the board, while Bala Wunti, former chief health, safety and environment officer of NNPC Limited, has been appointed chief executive officer.
Other members include Dr Ainojie “Alex” Irune, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Dr Emmanuel Okon, Aisha Farida Katagum, Professor Wumi Iledare, Dr Victor Ekpenyong and Dr Imamuddeen Talba.
Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, the World Energy Council’s chair for Africa and former secretary-general of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization, said Nigeria’s inclusion would amplify African leadership in the global energy debate.
“Africa’s energy transitions aren’t about catching up to external measures of progress, but instead about leading on developing the energy systems needed to power and support a dynamic continent,” Ibrahim said.
“The addition of Nigeria to the World Energy Council network will bring the vibrant, innovative leadership of Africa’s biggest population to our global critical conversation.”
Isa described the establishment of the committee as a milestone that would deepen Nigeria’s contribution to international energy policy and cooperation.
“I am honoured to serve as chairman of the World Energy Council Nigeria,” he said. “As we begin this new chapter, I look forward to working with the board, secretariat and our members to strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to the global energy dialogue and build a Member Committee that reflects the depth of expertise and leadership within our energy sector.”
Wunti said the committee would adopt a pragmatic approach to balancing energy security, affordability and sustainability, with private investment at the centre of its strategy.
“I am honoured to lead WEC Nigeria at a time of profound economic crosscurrents,” he said.
“We will navigate the energy trilemma with pragmatism, mobilising private capital to ensure Nigeria’s energy future is defined not by ideology, but by investability—delivering prosperity that is bankable, just and secure.”
Nigeria’s renewed membership comes as African governments grapple with the need to expand electricity access, attract energy investment and cut emissions without undermining economic growth or energy security.
The Nigerian committee is expected to represent the country’s energy leadership at the World Energy Congress in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2027, as well as in the council’s broader international programmes.
