The Association of Energy Correspondents, Abuja (AECAF), has congratulated Abdulrazaq Isa, OFR, and Bala Wunti on their appointments as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council (WEC) Nigeria, respectively, describing Nigeria’s return to the global energy body as a significant development for the country’s energy sector.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the association said the appointments of Isa and Wunti, alongside members of the inaugural board, had provided WEC Nigeria with a leadership team possessing extensive experience across the energy industry, regulation, finance, academia and professional associations.
AECAF said Nigeria’s return to the World Energy Council came at a critical period when the global energy industry was undergoing major changes driven by energy security concerns, technological innovation, geopolitical developments and the transition towards more sustainable energy systems.
The association expressed confidence that the new leadership would help Nigeria maximise the opportunities provided by renewed membership of one of the world’s major energy networks.
It particularly commended Isa for his contributions to indigenous refining and industrial development, noting that his experience would be valuable in strengthening Nigeria’s energy ambitions and promoting greater local participation in the industry.
AECAF also welcomed Wunti’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer, describing his more than three decades of experience in the energy sector as an important asset to the council.
The association highlighted Wunti’s expertise in strategy, policy development, revenue optimisation and sectoral reforms, saying his background would position him to provide strategic direction and ensure that WEC Nigeria translates its renewed international engagement into meaningful outcomes for the country.
According to AECAF, the return of Nigeria to the World Energy Council presents an opportunity to strengthen the country’s voice in international energy discussions and ensure that Nigeria’s unique energy challenges and opportunities receive greater attention at the global level.
It said Nigeria’s participation would provide a platform to contribute to conversations on energy security, affordability, sustainability and a just energy transition, while also enabling the country to promote its interests within the evolving global energy architecture.
The association noted that the development could have wider economic implications if properly leveraged, particularly in attracting investment and technology into Nigeria’s energy sector.
It said stronger engagement with the World Energy Council could facilitate partnerships among Nigerian institutions and international energy companies, investors, technology providers, research institutions and policymakers.
AECAF further noted that Nigeria could use the platform to promote investment opportunities across its oil and gas industry, refining, natural gas, power, renewable energy and emerging energy technologies.
The association stressed that the benefits of the country’s renewed participation should extend beyond institutional representation, urging the new leadership to pursue initiatives that generate practical opportunities for Nigeria and strengthen the capacity of local stakeholders.
It also said Nigeria’s return could help amplify broader African concerns in global energy policy discussions.
According to the association, Africa continues to face significant energy-access and infrastructure challenges, making it important for countries such as Nigeria to ensure that the global energy transition takes account of the development needs of emerging economies.
AECAF said Nigeria should advocate for an energy transition framework that balances environmental objectives with the need to expand energy access, support industrialisation, create jobs and improve living standards.
The association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as the foresight and leadership that facilitated Nigeria’s return to the World Energy Council.
It said the development demonstrated an effort to reposition Nigeria as a more active participant in the global energy community and create additional avenues for international cooperation, investment and sustainable economic development.
AECAF urged the new WEC Nigeria leadership to build strong partnerships with government institutions, private-sector operators, professional bodies, academia and other stakeholders in order to maximise the benefits of the council’s membership.
It also called for greater stakeholder engagement and transparency, stressing that the media would remain an important partner in communicating the council’s programmes and ensuring that Nigerians understand the opportunities associated with Nigeria’s renewed international energy engagement.
Established in 2007, AECAF comprises editors and reporters covering Nigeria’s oil, gas and wider energy industry in Abuja and the northern region.
The association said its members recognised the growing importance of the World Energy Council as the global energy system responds to the energy transition, technological developments and emerging geopolitical challenges.
It pledged to maintain a constructive relationship with WEC Nigeria under the new leadership and support informed public discourse on policies, investments and innovations necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s energy sector.
AECAF wished Isa, Wunti and members of the inaugural board success as they assume their respective responsibilities, expressing confidence that their leadership would help deepen Nigeria’s engagement with the African and global energy community.
The association said the ultimate measure of Nigeria’s return to the World Energy Council would be the extent to which the country could convert its renewed international presence into stronger partnerships, increased investment, technological advancement and tangible improvements in its energy sector.
