Nigeria has formally joined the World Energy Council with the inauguration of a new National Member Committee and Governing Board, a move expected to strengthen the country’s influence in global energy policy discussions while providing a platform to address domestic challenges around energy security, affordability and sustainability.

The development marks a renewed chapter in Nigeria’s relationship with the century-old global energy organisation as the country intensifies efforts to expand electricity access, deepen gas development, attract investment and accelerate industrialisation.

A statement issued on Thursday by the media office of the World Energy Council Nigeria said the newly constituted national committee would serve as an independent, impartial and technology-neutral platform bringing together leaders from government, the private sector, finance, academia and civil society to develop practical solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.

According to the statement, the platform will focus on addressing what is globally known as the Energy Trilemma, the challenge of balancing energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.

The statement read, “Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council’s global network with a newly constituted National Member Committee and Governing Board, opening a renewed chapter in the country’s longstanding relationship with the Council. World Energy Council Nigeria will provide an independent, impartial and technology-neutral platform bringing together government, industry, finance, academia and civil society to advance practical responses to Nigeria’s Energy Trilemma: energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.”

The Governing Board is chaired by the Co-founder and Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Abdulrazaq Isa, while former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, Bala Wunti, will serve as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer.

Other members of the board include Professor Wumi Iledare, Mustapha Abdullahi, Aisha Farida Katagum, Ainojie “Alex” Irune, Emmanuel Okon, Victor Ekpenyong and Imamuddeen Talba.

The statement noted that the board brings together extensive experience spanning energy policy, upstream and downstream operations, regulation, investment, technology, research and enterprise development.

Welcoming Nigeria into the organisation, the Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council, Angela Wilkinson, said the country’s participation would strengthen Africa’s contribution to global energy policy conversations.

She said, “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.”

According to the Council, Nigeria’s return comes at a critical period when the country is seeking to improve energy access, strengthen energy security, accelerate natural gas development and mobilise the investment required to support economic growth and industrial expansion.

The statement explained that the Nigerian chapter would convene stakeholders across the energy value chain and apply the World Energy Council’s globally recognised Energy Trilemma framework to Nigeria’s unique circumstances.

It added that the platform would promote evidence-based dialogue, practical collaboration and informed policymaking while ensuring that Nigerian and broader African perspectives contribute meaningfully to international energy debates.

Speaking on the significance of Nigeria’s return, Chairman of the Governing Board, Abdulrazaq Isa, described the development as an opportunity for the country and the continent to exercise stronger leadership within the global energy community.

He said, “Nigeria’s participation marks more than renewed participation; it creates a platform for stronger national and African leadership within the global energy community. We will work across sectors to advance solutions grounded in our realities, responsive to our development priorities and capable of attracting sustainable investment.”

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of WEC Nigeria, Bala Wunti, said the country must develop an energy system capable of meeting the needs of its growing population while supporting economic prosperity.

According to him, “Nigeria must build an energy system that is secure, affordable, sustainable and capable of powering shared prosperity. WEC Nigeria will connect evidence with leadership, leadership with capital, and capital with action, bringing Nigerian and African realities into global energy thinking while translating global insight into practical, investable solutions at home.”

The statement further said Nigeria would benefit from the World Energy Council’s global network of more than 3,000 member organisations across over 100 countries, enabling Nigerian institutions and businesses to access international knowledge, technologies, strategic partnerships and investment opportunities.

It noted that WEC Nigeria would also amplify Nigeria’s voice in global energy conversations while strengthening collaboration between local stakeholders and international partners.

Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council is regarded as the world’s oldest independent and impartial organisation dedicated to energy policy and collaboration. It brings together governments, businesses, researchers and industry leaders to promote practical solutions to global energy challenges.

Nigeria’s seat on the Council comes as the country pursues sweeping reforms across its energy sector, including implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, expansion of domestic gas utilisation, electricity market reforms and efforts to attract investment into oil, gas, renewable energy and critical mineral development.

Stakeholders believe participation in the Council’s global network could improve policy coordination, strengthen investor confidence and provide Nigeria with greater influence in shaping international energy transition discussions.