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.

Nigeria’s renewed membership was disclosed on Thursday in a statement by Angela Wilkinson, the secretary-general and CEO of WEC.

“Nigeria has a significant leadership role to play within the global energy community,” Ms Wilkinson said in the statement.

Nigeria has been a member of the council with the Nigerian National Committee originally approved and established on April 6, 1960, before its re-establishment and expansion this year.

The renewed membership will provide an independent, technology-neutral platform bringing together government, industry, academia, finance and civil society to address Nigeria’s energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.

The board comprises experts in energy policy, regulation, investment, operations, research, technology and enterprise development.

The governing board is chaired by Abdulrazaq Isa, chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil, and Bala Wunti, a former chief upstream investment officer of NNPC, will serve as the inaugural CEO. Other members of the board are Wumi Iledare, Mustapha Abdullahi, Aisha Katagum, Ainojie Irune, Emmanuel Okon, Victor Ekpenyong and Imamuddeen Talba.

Welcoming Nigeria into the council, Ms Wilkinson said the country’s membership would strengthen its contribution to global energy discourse.

“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.

“Nigeria’s participation comes at a pivotal time as the country seeks to expand energy access, strengthen energy security, accelerate gas development and mobilise the capital required for industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

“WEC Nigeria will convene leaders from across the energy ecosystem, apply the WEC’s globally recognised Energy Trilemma framework to Nigeria’s unique context, and promote evidence-based dialogue, practical collaboration and informed policymaking. It will also ensure that Nigerian and broader African perspectives contribute meaningfully to global energy conversations,” Ms Wilkinson explained.

Ms Wilkinson expressed confidence that Nigeria would play a significant leadership role at the World Energy Congress scheduled for Riyadh in April 2027 and beyond.

Mr Isa described the country’s participation as an opportunity to deepen national and African leadership within the global energy community through practical solutions tailored to regional development priorities. He said the platform would promote collaboration across sectors and attract sustainable investments into Nigeria’s energy sector.

Mr Wunti stated that the council would connect leadership, evidence and investment to build a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system. According to him, the platform will also connect Nigerian institutions and businesses with international knowledge, technology, partnerships and investment opportunities through the World Energy Council’s global network.

NAN reports that founded in 1923, the World Energy Council is the world’s oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners, advancing informed, collaborative and practical action across the global energy system.

(NAN)