RismadarVoice Reporters
July 2, 2026
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has hailed Nigeria’s admission into the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an Association country, describing it as a major milestone that will strengthen the nation’s role in global energy governance and accelerate efforts toward universal energy access, industrialisation and sustainable energy development.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ekpo said the unanimous decision of the IEA Governing Board reflects Nigeria’s growing strategic importance in the global energy sector.
He said the country’s admission into the IEA Family would enhance access to global energy expertise, research and policy support while deepening collaboration in energy security, gas development, investment mobilisation, electricity access and sustainable energy solutions.
“It is an honour for Nigeria to join this leading energy agency. I also encourage other African countries to deepen their engagement with the IEA as we work together to achieve key development goals, including universal energy access and industrialisation,” the minister said.
According to him, the partnership will support Nigeria’s efforts to build a more resilient, competitive and sustainable energy sector.
Nigeria becomes the latest country to join the IEA’s Association programme, which brings together major energy-producing and energy-consuming nations to promote secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems. The IEA said its Association programme now represents more than 80 per cent of global energy demand, compared to 40 per cent when it was launched in 2015.
Welcoming Nigeria into the organisation, IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, described the country’s admission as a significant development for both the Agency and the international energy community.
He said Nigeria’s membership underscores its importance as Africa’s most populous nation and a key player in the global energy market.
Birol also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister Ekpo for their confidence in the Agency, expressing optimism that the partnership would strengthen Nigeria’s energy security, stimulate economic growth and expand access to electricity and clean cooking solutions.
The IEA noted Nigeria’s increasing influence in global energy markets, particularly following recent developments in its refining sector, observing that increased fuel exports from the country helped improve the resilience of African and global fuel markets during periods of supply disruption.
The Agency further acknowledged Nigeria as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for decentralised solar energy, while highlighting ongoing efforts to expand access to electricity and clean cooking across the country.
Nigeria’s admission follows more than a decade of collaboration with the IEA, which began in 2014, and is expected to deepen cooperation in areas including energy security, clean energy transition, methane emissions reduction, electricity access and broader energy sector development.
Ekpo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with international partners to strengthen energy security, expand energy access and promote a sustainable energy future.
