Nigeria has formally returned to the World Energy Council with the inauguration of a new National Member Committee and Governing Board.
The renewed membership restores Nigeria’s participation in a global network of energy leaders and is expected to strengthen the country’s voice in international discussions on energy policy, investment and sustainability.
Co-founder and Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited Abdulrazaq Isa was appointed Chairman of the Governing Board, while former NNPC Limited Chief Upstream Investment Officer Bala Wunti will serve as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian chapter.
Other board members include Wumi Iledare, Mustapha Abdullahi, Aisha Farida Katagum, Ainojie Irune, Emmanuel Okon, Victor Ekpenyong and Imamuddeen Talba.
The World Energy Council said the board brought together experience in regulation, policy, investment, technology, research and energy operations.
Secretary General and Chief Executive Angela Wilkinson welcomed Nigeria’s return and said the country had an important leadership role to play in Africa and the wider energy community.
Nigeria’s chapter will use the Council’s Energy Trilemma framework, which focuses on energy security, affordability and environmental sustainability.
Isa said the renewed membership would provide a platform for stronger Nigerian and African leadership in global energy debates.
Wunti said the chapter would connect policy, capital and practical implementation to build a secure, affordable and sustainable energy system.
Membership will also give Nigeria greater access to the Council’s network of more than 3,000 organisations in over 100 countries ahead of the World Energy Congress in Riyadh in April 2027.
