Nigeria becomes Association Country of IEA

The International Energy Agency has recognised Nigeria as integral part of global energy governance with its Governing Board unanimously welcoming it as an Association country 

This decision is driven by Nigeria's influence as one of Africa's predominant economic region, including its established stronghold as oil and gas producer as well as its growing renewables potential. For Nigeria, on the other hand, this recognition will bring substantial support to the country of over 240 million people, tackling energy inequality and clean cooking challenges.

“I am thrilled that Nigeria is joining the IEA – it is Africa’s most populous country and a major international energy player. Nigeria becoming part of the world’s energy authority marks a milestone for global energy governance. I am very thankful to President Tinubu and Minister Ekpo for their trust in the IEA,” said IEA executive Director Fatih Birol. “As Nigeria works to strengthen energy security, support economic growth and expand energy access, deeper cooperation with the IEA will bring important benefits for both sides. We look forward to building on our already strong partnership and welcoming Nigeria to the IEA.”

“I am elated with the decision of the IEA Members to officially welcome Nigeria to the IEA Family as an Association country,” said Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo. “It is an honour for Nigeria to join this leading energy agency and I will take this opportunity to encourage the African continent to embrace the IEA, as we all work together to achieve key development goals including universal energy access and industrialisation.” 

This development follows the growing prominence of Nigeria's refining sector in the international energy markets since market disruption, when increased fuel exports from Nigeria helped strengthen domestic as well as global market resilience.

The IEA Governing Board’s decision builds on a strong history of engagement and collaboration between Nigeria and the IEA since 2014. In September 2025, the IEA, Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources and the African Energy Commission (AFREC) jointly convened a Regional Roundtable on "Turning Methane Pledges into Action” in Abuja, bringing together energy stakeholders from across the region to advance efforts to reduce methane emissions from the energy sector.

As an Association country, Nigeria and the IEA will work more closely across a wide range of energy issues, including on the Agency’s engagement in sub-Saharan Africa. Created in 2015, the IEA Association programme allows the Agency to deepen ties with its partner countries, bringing together major energy-producing and consuming countries from around the world. Nigeria joins a network of 13 other Association countries that work with the IEA to advance secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems worldwide. As a result of this expansion, the IEA Family’s share of global energy demand has increased from 40% in 2015 to over 80% today.