The International Energy Agency (IEA) has approved Nigeria’s membership after its governing board, made up of representatives from 53 member governments, unanimously endorsed the country’s application. Nigeria formally applied in May through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo. According to IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol, the approval process moved faster than any other application he has seen since taking office in 2015.
Birol said joining the IEA is usually a lengthy process that often takes several years. However, Nigeria secured approval just a few months after submitting its application. He explained that the agency held discussions across several committees and that he personally engaged member governments to help speed up Nigeria’s accession.
Describing the outcome as unprecedented, Birol said it was the fastest membership process in his 32 years at the agency. He said he personally informed Ekperikpe Ekpo of the decision before calling Nigeria’s Ambassador to France, Ayodele Oke, and sending the official confirmation letter. Birol also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s support in advancing Nigeria’s application.
The IEA was established in 1974 following the Arab oil embargo to strengthen energy security among industrialized countries. Over the years, it has expanded its role beyond oil security to become a leading source of energy data, market analysis, and policy advice. Today, the agency covers areas including oil, natural gas, electricity, nuclear energy, hydrogen, and clean energy technologies.
The organization now consists of 32 full member governments and, with Nigeria’s admission, more than 20 association and accession countries. Together, they represent more than three-quarters of global energy demand. The IEA also coordinates emergency oil stock releases during periods of supply disruption.
Birol said Nigeria will now receive real-time access to the agency’s energy data, including information on oil and gas markets, technology developments, and global investment trends. Nigerian officials will also participate in high-level discussions with governments such as the United States, Japan, Germany, and Brazil on global energy markets and policy.
In addition, the IEA will provide Nigeria with technical support in areas such as evaluating technology readiness, assessing trading partners, and identifying investment opportunities in the refining sector. Nigerian officials will also receive training on oil markets, liquefied natural gas, transportation fuels, and nuclear energy at no cost.
Birol said this support will give Nigeria access to the same high-quality information and expertise available to other member governments. He noted that the agency’s resources will help strengthen the country’s ability to make informed decisions across the energy sector.
Nigeria currently produces about 1.7 million barrels of crude oil per day. The Dangote Refinery, one of the world’s largest single-train refineries, processes around 650,000 barrels of crude daily. Birol said the refinery plays an important role in supporting fuel supply beyond Nigeria, adding that refined products from facilities such as Dangote’s help meet fuel demand in Europe during peak travel periods.
With more than 50 member associations and accession governments now working with the agency, Birol said Nigeria’s membership strengthens the IEA’s international representation. He noted that Africa was previously represented by South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, and Kenya and said Nigeria’s inclusion brings the agency closer to reflecting the global energy landscape. He described Nigeria’s accession as one of the proudest moments of his professional career.
source: businessday.ng
African Energy Council