President Bola Tinubu has described Nigeria’s admission into the World Energy Council (WEC) as a significant milestone that will strengthen the country’s influence in global energy policy discussions.
Nigeria has formally joined the century-old organisation as its newest National Member Committee, becoming part of a global network comprising more than 100 countries.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja, Tinubu said the development represented a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s ongoing energy reforms and its potential to play a stronger leadership role in Africa’s energy transition.
The president said membership would provide Nigeria with a platform to contribute more directly to international conversations around energy security, affordability, equity and sustainability.
“Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council to lead, not just participate – to ensure Africa’s voice shapes global energy decisions,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu congratulated the inaugural leadership of WEC Nigeria, led by Abdulrazaq Isa as Chairman and Bala Wunti as Chief Executive Officer, as well as members of the inaugural board drawn from the energy industry, regulatory institutions, finance, academia and the Future Energy Leaders community.
He described the composition of the board as a combination of industry experience, regulatory knowledge, financial expertise and youth representation, saying the mix would strengthen the credibility and neutrality of the Nigerian committee.
The president commended Isa for his contributions to indigenous refining and industrial energy, saying his investments had helped expand opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
He also described Wunti as an experienced energy strategist and reform advocate whose more than three decades in the sector had contributed to reforms aimed at improving national revenues and restoring investor confidence.
Tinubu said the Federal Government would support WEC Nigeria in its role as a neutral and technology-agnostic platform for policy dialogue, investment mobilisation and innovation.
He said the government would also continue working with the WEC headquarters in London and its international network to advance Nigeria’s pursuit of secure, affordable and sustainable energy.
The president urged the inaugural leadership and board members to use the platform to deepen Nigeria’s participation in global energy discussions and promote initiatives capable of advancing the country’s energy sector.
He wished the chairman, chief executive officer and other members of the inaugural board success in their new responsibilities.
