The Association of Energy Correspondents, Abuja (AECAF), has thrown its weight behind the new leadership of the World Energy Council (WEC) Nigeria, describing Nigeria’s return to the global energy body as a strategic opportunity to deepen the country’s influence in international energy affairs.

The association congratulated Abdulrazaq Isa, OFR, on his appointment as Chairman of WEC Nigeria and Bala Wunti as Chief Executive Officer, while also commending members of the inaugural board for bringing extensive experience across the energy industry, regulation, finance, academia and professional associations to the council.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, AECAF said the appointments came at an important moment for Nigeria’s energy sector, as countries across the world grapple with energy security, affordability, sustainability, technological disruption and the geopolitical implications of the global energy transition.

According to the association, Nigeria’s re-entry into the World Energy Council provides the country with a valuable platform to reconnect with major players in the international energy community and ensure that its priorities and perspectives are better represented in global policy conversations.

AECAF said the significance of the development extends beyond Nigeria’s membership of an international energy organisation, stressing that the council could become an important vehicle for attracting investment, facilitating technology partnerships, strengthening institutional cooperation and promoting Nigeria’s energy interests globally.

The association expressed confidence that Isa and Wunti possess the industry experience and strategic capacity required to maximise the opportunity presented by Nigeria’s return to the council.

It described Isa’s appointment as particularly significant given his contributions to indigenous refining and industrial development, noting that his experience in building local energy capacity would be valuable as Nigeria seeks to expand domestic production, strengthen energy security and promote greater value addition within the sector.

AECAF also highlighted Wunti’s more than three decades of experience in the energy industry, describing his background in strategy, policy development, revenue optimisation and sectoral reforms as an asset to the council at a time when the energy industry is undergoing profound transformation.

The association said Wunti’s strategic leadership would be critical to translating Nigeria’s participation in WEC into practical engagements, partnerships and initiatives capable of contributing to the development of the domestic energy sector.

The journalists further noted that Nigeria’s participation in the World Energy Council could provide an avenue for the country to articulate its peculiar energy realities within the global transition debate.

While acknowledging the increasing global emphasis on decarbonisation and sustainable energy, AECAF stressed the importance of ensuring that issues of energy access, affordability, reliability and economic development remain central to discussions concerning developing economies such as Nigeria.

The association said Nigeria must use its renewed participation in the global energy network to advocate for a balanced energy transition that recognises the country’s abundant oil and gas resources while simultaneously supporting investment in renewable energy, new technologies and cleaner energy systems.

It added that a stronger Nigerian presence within international energy discussions could also help highlight broader African priorities, particularly the continent’s persistent energy-access deficit and the need for increased investment in energy infrastructure.

According to AECAF, the World Energy Council platform offers an opportunity for Nigeria to build stronger relationships with governments, investors, energy companies, researchers, technology providers and other stakeholders across the world.

Such relationships, it said, could support the mobilisation of capital and expertise needed to address some of Nigeria’s longstanding challenges in power generation, oil and gas production, refining, infrastructure and emerging energy technologies.

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 was consistent with efforts to reposition Nigeria as a stronger participant in global energy diplomacy while creating new opportunities for investment, knowledge exchange and sustainable economic growth.

AECAF urged the new WEC Nigeria leadership to build an inclusive platform capable of bringing together government, the private sector, academia, professional bodies and other stakeholders to develop practical responses to the country’s energy challenges.

The association also called for sustained engagement with the media, saying effective communication would be essential to ensuring that Nigerians understand the opportunities arising from the country’s renewed participation in the global energy community.

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 technological changes, the energy transition and emerging geopolitical pressures.

It pledged to maintain a constructive relationship with the new WEC Nigeria leadership while supporting informed public discourse on energy policies, investments, reforms and innovations capable of strengthening Nigeria’s energy future.

AECAF expressed optimism that the return to the World Energy Council, combined with the experience of the new leadership and inaugural board, would enable Nigeria to move from being primarily a participant in global energy discussions to becoming a more influential contributor to the policies and ideas shaping the future of the international energy system.

The association wished Isa, Wunti and members of the inaugural board success in their respective responsibilities, urging them to use the platform to advance Nigeria’s energy interests, strengthen international partnerships and promote an energy future that delivers greater security, affordability and sustainable growth for Nigerians.