Tinubu hails Nigeria’s admission into World Energy Council, backs new leadership

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Nigeria’s admission as the newest National Member Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC), describing the development as a major milestone that reflects international confidence in the country’s ongoing energy reforms and leadership role in Africa.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said Nigeria’s membership of the century-old global energy body, which has more than 100 member countries, would give the nation a stronger voice in shaping global discussions on energy security, equity and sustainability.

He also congratulated the inaugural leadership of WEC Nigeria, including Abdulrazaq Isa as chairman and Bala Wunti as chief executive officer, as well as members of the board drawn from the energy industry, regulatory agencies, finance, academia and the Future Energy Leaders community.

Tinubu described Isa as “a distinguished patriot and trailblazing industrialist whose pioneering investments in indigenous refining and industrial energy have opened a new frontier for Nigerian enterprise.”

He also praised Wunti as “one of Nigeria’s finest energy strategists and reform champions” whose more than three decades of service, marked by integrity and strategic vision, had delivered landmark reforms that boosted national revenues and restored investor confidence in the energy sector.

The President said the mix of experienced industry leaders, regulators, financial experts and youth representatives on the board would provide the credibility and neutrality required for WEC Nigeria to succeed.

Emphasising Nigeria’s ambition within the global organisation, Tinubu said, “Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council to lead, not just participate – to ensure Africa’s voice shapes global energy decisions.”

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s backing for WEC Nigeria, describing it as a neutral and technology-agnostic platform for policy dialogue, investment mobilisation and innovation.

“The Federal Government remains fully committed to supporting WEC Nigeria and working with WEC London and its global community to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy for all,” the President said.