Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council (WEC), a move expected to strengthen the country’s engagement in global energy policy discussions while creating fresh opportunities to attract investment and technical collaboration across the sector.

The membership was announced on yesterday with the inauguration of a new National Member Committee and Governing Board, led by Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Abdulrazaq Isa, while former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, Bala Wunti, was appointed the inaugural Chief Executive Officer.

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

Nigeria’s return to the global energy organisation comes as the country seeks to improve energy security, expand electricity access, accelerate gas development and attract capital needed to drive industrialisation and economic growth.

According to the Council, the Nigerian chapter will serve as an independent platform bringing together government, industry, investors, academia and civil society to address the country’s energy challenges through the World Energy Council’s Energy Trilemma framework, which focuses on balancing energy security, affordability and environmental sustainability.

The move also restores Nigeria’s access to the World Energy Council’s network of more than 3,000 member organisations across over 100 countries, providing a channel for Nigerian institutions and businesses to engage with international investors, technology providers and policymakers.

Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council, Angela Wilkinson, said Nigeria had an important leadership role to play in shaping global energy conversations.

She said the country’s Member Committee would help project Nigeria’s expertise and priorities at the World Energy Congress scheduled to hold in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in April 2027 and beyond.

Isa described the country’s return as an opportunity to strengthen both Nigerian and African leadership in the global energy community.

According to him, the Council would work across sectors to develop solutions aligned with Nigeria’s development priorities while helping to attract sustainable investment into the country’s energy industry.

Wunti said Nigeria must build an energy system that is secure, affordable and sustainable, adding that the Council would bridge the gap between evidence, leadership and investment to deliver practical and bankable energy solutions.

Founded in 1923, the World Energy Council is one of the world’s oldest independent energy organisations, bringing together governments, companies and institutions to promote collaboration on global energy issues. Nigeria’s renewed participation is expected to give policymakers and industry players greater access to international best practices while amplifying the country’s voice in shaping the future of global energy.