By Firdaus Jibril
The Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources, Dr. Ainojie Alex Irune has been appointed as a member of the Governing Board of the newly established World Energy Council Nigeria.
The appointment coincides with Nigeria’s return to the World Energy Council (WEC), a global body dedicated to promoting sustainable energy systems and addressing challenges surrounding energy security, access, and sustainability.
In announcing Nigeria’s reintegration into its network, the World Energy Council stated that the new Nigerian Member Committee will be governed by a board comprising leaders from the public and private sectors, academia, and energy institutions.
Irune joins the governing board alongside prominent energy professionals, including Board Chairman Abdulrazaq Isa, former NNPC executive Bala Wunti, Professor Wumi Iledare, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Aisha Farida Katagum, Dr. Emmanuel Okon, Dr. Victor Ekpenyong, and Dr. Imamuddeen Talba.
This development provides Nigeria with a renewed platform to engage in international discussions on energy security, investment, energy transition, and the future of global energy systems.
The World Energy Council noted that Nigeria’s membership will enable the country’s energy leadership to contribute expertise and strategic perspectives to global dialogues, including preparations for the Riyadh World Energy Congress scheduled for April 2027.
Reacting to the announcement, Oando described Irune’s appointment as an opportunity to amplify Africa’s voice in global energy discussions, particularly as Nigeria seeks greater participation in international energy policy and investment forums.
Irune currently serves as Executive Director of Oando Plc and Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources Nigeria Limited. He is also the President and Chief Operating Officer of Oando Clean Energy.
His appointment brings an indigenous upstream industry perspective to the WEC Nigeria board, complementing a collective expertise that spans energy policy, upstream and downstream operations, regulation, investment, technology, and academic research.