Bala Wunti, ex-NNPC official, appointed CEO of World Energy Council Nigeria

The World Energy Council (WEC) has announced the admission of a new Nigerian member committee into its network, appointing Bala Wunti, a former official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, as the chief executive officer (CEO).

In a statement dated August 5, the council said the addition of Nigeria emphasises the country’s key role in advancing global energy-climate security across Africa.

Nigeria’s membership of the WEC dates back to April 6, 1960, when the council approved the country’s membership and the Nigerian national committee of the World Energy Council (NNC-WEC) was established.

The WEC described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most dynamic and diverse economies, noting that its energy mix and innovative policy, financing and structural reforms position the country as a leading player in shaping the future of global energy systems.

Angela Wilkinson, secretary-general and chief executive officer (CEO) of the WEC, welcomed the new committee and said it would help bring Nigeria’s expertise and voice to the global stage.

“Nigeria has a significant leadership role, and the Member Committee will help bring that expertise and voice onto the world stage at the Riyadh World Energy Congress in April 2027 and beyond,” Wilkinson said.

Omar Farouk Ibrahim, WEC chair for Africa and former secretary-general of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), said Nigeria’s addition will bring “the vibrant, innovative leadership of Africa’s biggest population to our global critical conversation”.

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE 

According to the statement, the new Nigerian member committee is governed by a board comprising leaders from the public and private sectors, academia and international energy institutions.

Abdulrazaq Isa, co-founder and chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, will serve as chairman of the board.

Other members of the board include Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune, Mustapha Abdullahi, Emmanuel Okon, Aisha Farida Katagum, Wumi Iledare, Victor Ekpenyong and Imamuddeen Talba.

Commenting on the development, Isa said the committee would work to strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to global energy discussions.

“I am honoured to serve as Chairman of the World Energy Council Nigeria,” he said.

“As we begin this new chapter, I look forward to working with the Board, Secretariat and our members to strengthen Nigeria’s contribution to the global energy dialogue and build a Member Committee that reflects the depth of expertise and leadership within our energy sector.”

Wunti said he is honoured to lead WEC Nigeria “at a time of profound economic crosscurrents”.

He said the committee would take a pragmatic approach to navigating the energy trilemma by mobilising private capital and ensuring Nigeria’s energy future is driven by investment, while delivering prosperity that is bankable, just and secure.