LAGOS, July 2 – Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has officially joined the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an Association country, deepening its partnership with the global energy body and strengthening Africa’s representation in international energy governance.
The decision was unanimously approved by the IEA Governing Board, making Nigeria the latest country to join the Agency’s Association programme, which brings together major energy producers and consumers to advance secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems. With Nigeria’s inclusion, the IEA Family now represents more than 80% of global energy demand, up from 40% when the programme was launched in 2015.
Home to more than 240 million people, Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and one of the continent’s largest economies. The country remains a major producer of crude oil and natural gas while also emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for decentralised solar energy. Nigeria is simultaneously pursuing efforts to expand access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for millions of households that remain underserved.
Welcoming Nigeria’s admission, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said: “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.”
He added, “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.”
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the development as an important milestone for the country and the continent.
According to Ekpo, “I am elated with the decision of the IEA Members to officially welcome Nigeria to the IEA Family as an Association country. 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.”
The IEA noted that Nigeria’s growing influence in global energy markets has become increasingly evident through recent developments in its refining sector. During periods of disruption in international fuel markets, increased petroleum product exports from Nigeria helped improve fuel supply resilience across Africa and beyond. The Agency also highlighted Nigeria’s rapid expansion in decentralised solar energy and its ongoing efforts to improve electricity access and clean cooking adoption.
The latest development builds on more than a decade of collaboration between Nigeria and the IEA, which began in 2014. In September 2025, the IEA partnered with Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the African Energy Commission (AFREC) to host a regional roundtable in Abuja on “Turning Methane Pledges into Action,” bringing together policymakers and industry stakeholders to accelerate methane emissions reduction across Africa’s energy sector.
As an Association country, Nigeria will work more closely with the IEA across a broad range of energy priorities, including energy security, market analysis, investment, sustainability, and the Agency’s engagement across sub-Saharan Africa.
The partnership is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s role in shaping global energy discussions while supporting the country’s efforts to expand energy access, accelerate industrialisation and attract greater investment into its evolving energy sector.
