Nigeria has officially rejoined the World Energy Council (WEC) following the inauguration of a national member committee and governing board to strengthen the country’s participation in global energy policy and investment discussions.

The renewed membership was announced on Thursday in a statement issued by the Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council, Angela Wilkinson.

Nigeria first became a member of the council after its Nigerian National Committee was approved and established on April 6, 1960. The committee has now been re-established and expanded as part of the country’s renewed engagement with the global energy body.

According to the statement, the renewed membership will provide an independent, technology-neutral platform that brings together government, industry, academia, finance and civil society to address Nigeria’s energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.

The newly inaugurated governing board comprises experts in energy policy, regulation, investment, operations, research, technology and enterprise development.

Abdulrazaq Isa, Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil, will chair the governing board, while Bala Wunti, a former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), will serve as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Other members include Wumi Iledare, Mustapha Abdullahi, Aisha Katagum, Ainojie Irune, Emmanuel Okon, Victor Ekpenyong and Imamuddeen Talba.

Welcoming Nigeria back into the council, Wilkinson said the country’s return would strengthen its contribution to global energy conversations.

“Nigeria has a significant leadership role to play within the global energy community,”

She further stated:

“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.

“Nigeria’s participation comes at a pivotal time as the country seeks to expand energy access, strengthen energy security, accelerate gas development and mobilise the capital required for industrialisation and sustainable economic growth.

“WEC Nigeria will convene leaders from across the energy ecosystem, apply the WEC’s globally recognised Energy Trilemma framework to Nigeria’s unique context, and promote evidence-based dialogue, practical collaboration and informed policymaking. It will also ensure that Nigerian and broader African perspectives contribute meaningfully to global energy conversations,”

Wilkinson expressed confidence that Nigeria would assume a significant leadership role at the World Energy Congress scheduled to take place in Riyadh in April 2027 and in the years beyond.

Speaking on the development, Abdulrazaq Isa described Nigeria’s renewed participation as an opportunity to strengthen both national and African leadership within the global energy community through practical solutions aligned with regional development priorities. He added that the platform would encourage collaboration across sectors while attracting sustainable investment into Nigeria’s energy industry.

Bala Wunti also highlighted the council’s role in connecting leadership, evidence and investment to support the development of a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system. According to him, the platform will further link Nigerian institutions and businesses with international knowledge, technology, partnerships and investment opportunities through the World Energy Council’s global network.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Energy Council, founded in 1923, is the world’s oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners, advancing informed, collaborative and practical action across the global energy system.

Source: Peoples Gazette.