ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the formal admission of Nigeria as the newest National Member Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC), describing the development as a vote of confidence in the country’s ongoing energy reforms and its leadership role across Africa.
In a official statement issued on Friday, August 7, 2026, by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President noted that joining the century-old global network of over 100 member countries positions Nigeria to actively shape international discourse on energy security, equity, and sustainability.
President Tinubu also congratulated the inaugural governing board of WEC Nigeria, led by industrialist Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, OFR as Chairman and seasoned energy strategist Mr. Bala Wunti as Chief Executive Officer.
Key Operational Highlights
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Global Policy Platform: Nigeria’s formal admission enables the nation to influence global energy decision-making, particularly ahead of the Riyadh World Energy Congress in April 2027.
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Inaugural Leadership Appointed: The newly constituted WEC Nigeria board brings together industry leaders, regulators, and energy strategists, chaired by Waltersmith Petroman Oil Chairman Abdulrazaq Isa alongside former NNPC upstream chief Bala Wunti as CEO.
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Addressing the Energy Trilemma: WEC Nigeria will serve as an independent, technology-neutral platform to balance energy security, energy affordability/equity, and environmental sustainability.
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Investment & Infrastructure Focus: The partnership aims to accelerate domestic gas utilization, strengthen power sector performance, and mobilize international capital for industrial development.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ WEC NIGERIA NATIONAL MEMBER COMMITTEE MATRIX │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Parent Entity : World Energy Council (WEC) │
│ │
│ • Governing Board : • Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa, OFR (Chairman) │
│ Leadership • Mr. Bala Wunti (Chief Executive Officer) │
│ │
│ • Key Board Members : Prof. Wumi Iledare, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, │
│ Mrs. Aisha Farida Katagum, Dr. Alex Irune, │
│ Dr. Emmanuel Okon, Dr. Victor Ekpenyong, │
│ and Dr. Imamuddeen Talba │
│ │
│ • Core Objective : Advance energy security, equity & sustainability│
│ while attracting global energy investment │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘“Nigeria Has Joined the World Energy Council to Lead, Not Just Participate”
“Nigeria’s entry into the century-old global network of over 100 countries positions the country to more actively shape global discourse on energy security, equity and sustainability… Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council to lead, not just participate—to ensure Africa’s voice shapes global energy decisions.” — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Welcoming the Nigerian delegation to the international body, Secretary-General and CEO of the World Energy Council, Dr. Angela Wilkinson, added in comments.
“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.” — Dr. Angela Wilkinson, Secretary-General & CEO, World Energy Council
