President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the formal admission of Nigeria as the newest national member committee of the World Energy Council (WEC). He described the milestone as a proud moment for the nation and a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s energy reforms and leadership role in Africa.
Strategic Energy Reforms and Global Influence
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated on Friday that the President views Nigeria’s entry into the century-old global network of more than 100 countries as a strategic move. This position enables the nation to actively shape global discourse on energy security, equity, and sustainability.
Nigeria officially renewed its participation in the World Energy Council through the inauguration of a new national member committee and governing board in August 2026. This renewed membership is expected to boost international collaboration, attract sustainable investments, and influence global energy policy ahead of the World Energy Congress scheduled for April 2027.
Inaugural Leadership and Endorsements
President Tinubu congratulated the inaugural leadership of WEC Nigeria, appointing Abdulrazaq Isa as Chairman and Bala Wunti as Chief Executive Officer. They are joined by distinguished Nigerians across the energy value chain, regulatory institutions, industry associations, finance, academia, and the Future Energy Leaders community.
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The President praised Isa as a distinguished patriot and trailblazing industrialist whose investments in indigenous refining have opened new frontiers for Nigerian enterprise. Furthermore, he commended Wunti as a leading energy strategist and reform champion, citing more than three decades of exemplary service defined by integrity and strategic vision.
National Ambition and Future Outlook
According to the President, the diverse composition of the board provides WEC Nigeria with the necessary balance, neutrality, and credibility to succeed. He affirmed that Nigeria has joined the council to lead rather than merely participate, ensuring Africa’s voice shapes global energy decisions.
The Federal Government has pledged its full support for WEC Nigeria as a neutral platform for policy dialogue and investment mobilisation. The Council focuses on balancing energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability while connecting Nigerian institutions to a network of over 3,000 member organisations across more than 100 countries. These developments strengthen the nation’s leadership profile ahead of the upcoming World Energy Congress in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2027.
