President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s admission into the World Energy Council (WEC), describing it as a major step towards strengthening the country’s influence in global energy discussions and advancing Africa’s voice in the sector.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s emergence as a National Member Committee of the international organization reflected confidence in the country’s energy reforms and its commitment to shaping conversations around energy security, sustainability and access.
The President’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Friday, August 7, 2026, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He congratulated the pioneer leadership of WEC Nigeria, led by Abdulrazaq Isa, OFR, as Chairman and Bala Wunti as Chief Executive Officer, alongside board members drawn from the energy industry, regulatory institutions, finance, academia, industry associations and the Future Energy Leaders community.
Tinubu described Isa as an accomplished industrialist whose investments in indigenous refining and energy development had expanded opportunities for Nigerian enterprise, while commending Wunti’s more than three decades of experience and contributions to sector reforms.
He said the board’s mix of industry expertise and regulatory knowledge would provide the capacity needed to drive policy engagement, investment and innovation.
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“Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council to lead, not just participate, to ensure Africa’s voice shapes global energy decisions,” Tinubu said.
The President pledged Federal Government support for WEC Nigeria and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with the council’s global network to advance secure, affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
Nigeria’s entry builds on its long-standing relationship with the World Energy Council, following its admission into the organisation’s network in 1960.
The development comes as the country continues efforts to transform its energy sector, attract investment, expand domestic capacity and strengthen its position in global energy markets.
Recent reforms, including the Petroleum Industry Act signed into law in 2021, have focused on improving regulation, boosting investor confidence and creating a more competitive energy environment.
Established in 1923 and headquartered in London, the World Energy Council connects governments, businesses, academics and civil society stakeholders from more than 100 countries to promote cooperation on energy security, transition and sustainability.
Nigeria’s membership provides a broader platform for the country to contribute to global energy conversations while pursuing its goal of delivering reliable, affordable and sustainable energy for its growing economy.