Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has hailed Nigeria’s admission as an Association country of the International Energy Agency, saying the move will strengthen global energy engagement and support the country’s goals of universal energy access, industrialisation and sustainable development.
In a statement signed by Louis Ibah, Spokesman to the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) said Ekpo described the unanimous decision by the IEA Governing Board as recognition of Nigeria’s growing strategic role in the global energy space.
“I am elated by the decision of the IEA Members to officially welcome Nigeria to the IEA Family as an Association country. It is an honour for Nigeria to join this leading energy agency,” Ekpo said. He urged other African nations to deepen ties with the IEA to advance shared development goals.
*Benefits of IEA Partnership*
Ekpo said the partnership gives Nigeria greater access to global energy expertise, research and policy insights. It will also boost collaboration on energy security, investment, gas development, electricity access and clean energy solutions, helping build a more resilient and competitive sector.
*IEA: Nigeria Key to Global Energy Governance*
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol called Nigeria’s admission “an important advance in global energy governance.”
“I am thrilled that Nigeria is joining the IEA. It is Africa’s most populous country and a major international energy player,” Birol said. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekpo for their confidence in the Agency, noting that closer cooperation would support Nigeria’s efforts to improve energy security, drive growth, and expand access to electricity and clean cooking.
*Nigeria’s Growing Energy Influence*
The IEA highlighted Nigeria’s rising influence in global markets, noting that recent growth in its refining sector helped stabilize African and global fuel markets during disruptions. The Agency also cited Nigeria as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for decentralised solar energy, with intensified efforts to expand electricity and clean cooking access.
With Nigeria’s admission, the IEA Family now represents over 80% of global energy demand, up from 40% when the Association programme began in 2015.
Nigeria and the IEA have cooperated since 2014. The new status will deepen work on energy security, clean energy transition, methane reduction, electricity access and sector development.
Ekpo said the development reflects Nigeria’s growing role in global energy policy and reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to strengthen energy security and build a sustainable energy future.
