Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council’s global network with a newly constituted National Member Committee and Governing Board, opening a renewed chapter in the country’s long standing relationship with the Council.
World Energy Council Nigeria will provide an independent, impartial and technology-neutral platform bringing together government, industry, finance, academia and civil society to advance practical responses to Nigeria’s Energy Trilemma: energy security, energy equity and environmental sustainability.
The Governing Board is chaired by Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, Co-founder and Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited and a leading advocate for indigenous energy development.
Mr. Bala Wunti, a seasoned energy executive with more than three decades of experience across the oil and gas value chain and former Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Limited, serves as inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
Other members of the Board are Professor Wumi Iledare, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Mrs. Aisha Farida Katagum, Dr Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, Dr Emmanuel Okon, Dr Victor Ekpenyong and Dr Imamuddeen Talba.
Together, the Board brings extensive experience across energy policy, operations, investment, regulation, technology, research and enterprise development, reflecting the breadth of Nigeria’s energy ecosystem.
Welcoming the Nigerian Member Committee, Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council, said: ‘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 return 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.
Chairman of WEC Nigeria, Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, said: ‘Nigeria’s return marks more than renewed participation; it creates a platform for stronger national and African leadership within the global energy community. We will work across sectors to advance solutions grounded in our realities, responsive to our development priorities and capable of attracting sustainable investment.’
On his part, Wunti said Nigeria must build an energy system that is secure, affordable, sustainable and capable of powering shared prosperity.