Nigeria rejoins World Energy Council as newest member committee
By Precious Mark
Nigeria has officially rejoined the World Energy Council (WEC) as its newest Member Committee, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to advance clean and inclusive energy transitions across Africa.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in a press release issued by the global energy body.
The World Energy Council noted that Nigeria’s inclusion returns the country to the international energy organization under a renewed leadership structure and a stronger mandate aimed at driving policy, financing, and structural reforms.
The Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council, Dr. Angela Wilkinson, welcomed the Nigerian committee to the global network, highlighting the country’s strategic position in shaping Africa’s energy ecosystem.
“I’m delighted to welcome the new Nigerian Member Committee into the World Energy Council leadership community.”
“Africa is writing its transformational energy future, connecting abundant resources, entrepreneurial talent, and growing regional cooperation in new ways. 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,” she added.
Also commenting on the development, the World Energy Council’s Chair for Africa, Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim, stated that Nigeria’s membership brings vital leadership to global energy discussions.
“Africa’s energy transitions aren’t about catching up to external measures of progress, but instead about leading on developing the energy systems needed to power and support a dynamic continent.”
“The addition of Nigeria to the World Energy Council network will bring the vibrant, innovative leadership of Africa’s biggest population to our critical global conversation,” he added.
The newly established Nigerian Member Committee is governed by a board comprising representatives from the public and private sectors, academia, and international energy organizations.
The Board is chaired by the Co-founder and Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, while the former Chief Health, Safety, and Environment Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr. Bala Wunti, serves as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other prominent energy sector leaders on the board include Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Dr. Emmanuel Okon, Ms. Aisha Farida Katagum, Prof. Wumi Iledare, Dr. Victor Ekpenyong, and Dr. Imamuddeen Talba.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, Abdulrazaq Isa, expressed his commitment to advancing the country’s role in global energy governance.
“As we begin this new chapter, I look forward to working with the Board, Secretariat, and our members to strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to the global energy dialogue.”
“We aim to build a Member Committee that reflects the depth of expertise and leadership within our energy sector,” he said.
For his part, the Chief Executive Officer of WEC Nigeria, Bala Wunti, emphasized that the committee will focus on practical solutions to address the global energy trilemma.
“I am honoured to lead WEC Nigeria at a time of profound economic crosscurrents. We will navigate the energy trilemma with pragmatism, mobilising private capital to ensure Nigeria’s energy future is defined not by ideology, but by investability delivering prosperity that is bankable, just, and secure,” he said.