Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has welcomed Nigeria’s admission into the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an Association country, describing it as a major milestone for the nation’s energy sector and global influence.
Nigeria’s inclusion in the IEA framework places it among a group of key energy-producing and consuming nations working to promote secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems.
The IEA Family now represents more than 80 per cent of global energy demand, up from about 40 per cent when the association programme began in 2015.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, Ekpo said the unanimous decision by the IEA Governing Board reflects Nigeria’s rising strategic importance in global energy governance and its commitment to advancing universal energy access, industrialisation and sustainable development.
He said the partnership would give Nigeria improved access to global energy expertise, research and policy support, while strengthening cooperation in areas such as energy security, investment mobilisation, gas development, electricity access and clean energy transition.
“I am elated by the decision of the IEA Members to officially welcome Nigeria to the IEA Family,” Ekpo said, adding that the collaboration would also encourage other African nations to deepen engagement with the agency.
The minister noted that the partnership would help build a more resilient and competitive energy sector in Nigeria and support efforts to expand electricity access and improve energy infrastructure nationwide.
Welcoming Nigeria into the organisation, IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, described the development as a significant step for global energy governance, noting that Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and a major energy player.
Birol said Nigeria’s membership would strengthen cooperation on key issues such as energy security, clean cooking solutions, methane emissions reduction and the global energy transition.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian government for their commitment, saying deeper collaboration would support economic growth and expand access to modern energy services.
The IEA highlighted Nigeria’s growing role in global energy markets, including its expanding refining capacity and increasing fuel exports, which have contributed to stabilising regional fuel supply during periods of disruption.
It also noted Nigeria’s rapid growth in decentralised solar energy adoption and ongoing efforts to improve access to electricity and clean cooking solutions.
Nigeria’s admission builds on more than a decade of engagement with the IEA and is expected to further strengthen cooperation in energy security, investment, clean energy transition and sustainable sector development.
