By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has tasked the newly inaugurated World Energy Council (WEC) Nigeria leadership with positioning the country as a leading voice in global energy affairs and ensuring that Africa’s perspectives shape international energy decisions.
Tinubu gave the charge while welcoming Nigeria’s formal admission as the newest National Member Committee of the WEC, describing the development as a proud moment for the country and a strong vote of confidence in its energy reforms and leadership role in Africa.
The President, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said Nigeria’s entry into the century-old global energy network of more than 100 countries would enable the country to play a more active role in shaping global discussions 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,” Tinubu said.
Nigeria’s return to the WEC comes with a newly constituted National Member Committee and Governing Board, with the Nigerian chapter expected to strengthen the country’s engagement in global energy policymaking and help attract investment for energy transition and industrial development.
The WEC Nigeria platform is designed as an independent, impartial and technology-neutral forum bringing together government, industry, financial institutions, academia and civil society to address the country’s energy priorities.
Its work will focus on Nigeria’s Energy Trilemma of energy security, energy access and environmental sustainability, while supporting efforts to expand electricity access, strengthen energy security, accelerate gas development and mobilise investment for sustainable economic growth.
The Council said Nigeria’s membership would also connect local businesses and institutions to international knowledge, technologies, partnerships and investment opportunities through its network of more than 3,000 member organisations across over 100 countries.
Tinubu congratulated the inaugural leadership of WEC Nigeria, led by Abdulrazaq Isa as Chairman and Bala Wunti as Chief Executive Officer, as well as members of the inaugural Board drawn from across the energy value chain, regulatory institutions, industry associations, finance, academia and the Future Energy Leaders community.
The President described Isa as a distinguished patriot and industrialist whose investments in indigenous refining and industrial energy had opened a new frontier for Nigerian enterprise.
He described Wunti as an energy strategist and reform advocate whose more than three decades of service had been marked by reforms aimed at strengthening national revenues and investor confidence in the energy sector.
Tinubu said the combination of industry leaders, regulators, finance experts and youth leaders on the Board would provide the balance, neutrality and credibility required for WEC Nigeria to succeed.
He affirmed the full support of the Federal Government for WEC Nigeria as a neutral, technology-agnostic platform for policy dialogue, investment mobilisation and innovation.
The President also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to working with WEC London and its global community to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy for all.
He wished the Chairman, CEO and members of the inaugural Board success in what he described as a historic national assignment.
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