Press Release: Nigeria Joins World Energy Council As Newest Member Committee

Nigeria Joins World Energy Council As Newest Member Committee

05 August 2026: The World Energy Council proudly announces the addition of a new Nigerian Member Committee to its network, further strengthening the global energy community dedicated to progressing clean and inclusive energy transitions. The addition of Nigeria emphasises the country’s key role in advancing global energy-climate security across Africa.

The World Energy Council, the preeminent international organization promoting the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all, is pleased to welcome a Nigerian energy leadership community back into its esteemed network, under a new stronger leadership and mandate.

As one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in Africa, Nigerian energy leaders bring key expertise and important perspectives to the World Energy Council’s humanising energy impact agenda. The country’s rich energy mix, coupled with its innovative policy, financing, and structural reforms aimed at delivering its energy transition plans, highlights how it is a leading player in shaping the future of global energy systems.

Dr Angela Wilkinson, Secretary General and CEO of the World Energy Council, expressed enthusiasm about Nigeria’s community membership, saying:

“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.”

Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim, the World Energy Council's Chair for Africa and former Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers' Organization, said:

“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 global critical conversation”.

The newly established Member Committee is governed by a distinguished Board drawn from across the public and private sectors, academia and international energy institutions. The Board is chaired by Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, Co-founder and Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, while Mr Bala Wunti, former Chief Health, Safety, and Environment Officer of the NNPC Ltd serves as the Chief Executive Officer. 

The Board also includes other respected energy leaders such as; Dr. Ainojie 'Alex' Irune; Dr Mustapha Abdullahi; Dr Emmanuel Okon; Ms Aisha Farida Katagum; Prof. Wumi Iledare; Dr Victor Ekpenyong; Dr Imamuddeen Talba, among other distinguished leaders, reflecting the depth, diversity and expertise of Nigeria's energy ecosystem.

Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, Chairman of the Board of World Energy Council Nigeria, shared his excitement at the milestone achievement, saying:

"I am honoured to serve as Chairman of the World Energy Council Nigeria. 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 and build a Member Committee that reflects the depth of expertise and leadership within our energy sector."

Mr Bala Wunti, Chief Executive Officer of World Energy Council Nigeria, spoke about Nigeria’s energy leadership stepping up at a pivotal moment of world energy, saying:

"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."

For more information about the World Energy Council and its work, please visit www.worldenergy.org.

About the World Energy Council

The World Energy Council is the world's oldest independent and impartial community of energy leaders and practitioners. Through our Humanising Energy vision, we involve more people and communities in accelerating clean and inclusive energy transitions in all world regions. Formed in 1923, the Council is a UN-accredited global energy body that has convened diverse interests from across the full energy ecosystem for a century, and today has over 3,000 member organisations and a presence in more than 100 countries. Our global network draws from governments, private and state corporations, academia and civil society, as well as current and future energy leaders. We collaborate on impact programmes and inform local, regional and global energy agendas in support of our enduring mission: to promote the sustainable use and supply of energy for the benefit of all people. Further details at www.worldenergy.org and on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About World Energy Council Nigeria

The Nigerian National Committee of the World Energy Council is an independent, non-partisan platform that brings together leaders from government, industry, academia, development partners, finance institutions and civil society to strengthen Nigeria's participation in global energy dialogue, promote evidence-based policy, foster strategic partnerships, and support sustainable energy development for national and regional prosperity. Further details at http://www.wecnigeria.org