Nigeria’s membership of the World Energy Council (WEC) and the appointments of Abdulrazaq Isa and the Chief Executive Officer, Bala Wunti, both as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer respectively will attract investments to the country.
This was the submission of the Association of Energy Correspondents Abuja FCT (AECAF) in a congratulatory letter to both appointees yesterday. The group also commended President Bola Tinubu, for the foresight and leadership that ensured Nigeria’s return to the World Energy Council.
AECAF Chairman, John Ofikhenua, who described the country’s return to WEC as ‘timely and significant’, noted that the membership of the WEC and the appointments, also offers Nigeria an opportunity to attract investment and deepen international partnerships, including promoting technological innovation and ensure that the realities and priorities of Nigeria and Africa are adequately represented in global energy decision.
The association said the membership restores the country’s place within one of the world’s most influential energy networks and provides an important platform for Nigeria to contribute meaningfully to global discussions on energy security, affordability, sustainability and equitable transition.
The group stressed that the development further demonstrates the administration’s commitment to repositioning the country as a leading voice in the global energy community andcreating an enabling environment for investment and sustainable growth.
Congratulating Isa and Wunti, the Association said: ‘On behalf of the Association of Energy Correspondents, Abuja, we warmly congratulate Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, and Mr Bala Wunti on your respective appointments as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council Nigeria. We also congratulate the distinguished members of the inaugural Board, whose collective experience across the energy industry, regulatory institutions, finance, academia and professional associations provides a strong foundation for the Council’s work in Nigeria.
‘Mr Isa’s pioneering contributions to indigenous refining and industrial development have strengthened local participation in Nigeria’s energy sector. ‘His appointment as Chairman reflects the confidence placed in his leadership, entrepreneurial vision and commitment to advancing the country’s energy aspirations.
‘We equally applaud the appointment of Mr Wunti as Chief Executive Officer. His more than three decades of service in the energy industry, coupled with his expertise in strategy, policy formulation, revenue optimisation and sectoral reform, make him exceptionally suited for this important national responsibility. ‘We are confident that his integrity, experience and strategic leadership will take the Council and Nigeria’s wider energy sector to lofty heights.’
The letter reads in part: ‘As journalists committed to deepening discourse and transparency in the sector, we recognise the critical role WEC Nigeria a s the world focuses on energy transition and navigates emerging geopolitical issues.
‘As journalists dedicated to reporting and analysing developments across the energy value chain, we look forward to a productive relationship with the World Energy Council Nigeria. We remain committed to supporting informed public dialogue and promoting greater understanding of the policies, investments and innovations required to secure Nigeria’s energy future,’ AECAF said.