Energy Journalists under the auspices of The Association of Energy Correspondents, Abuja (AECAF), has congratulated Abdulrazaq Isa, OFR, and Bala Wunti on their appointments as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council (WEC) Nigeria, respectively, urging the new leadership to use the platform to advance Nigeria’s energy security, affordability and transition agenda.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, AECAF described the appointments as timely, saying the return of Nigeria to the World Energy Council comes at a critical juncture for the global and domestic energy sectors.
The association also congratulated members of the inaugural board, noting that their combined experience in the energy industry, regulation, finance, academia and professional associations provides a strong foundation for the council’s operations and engagement in Nigeria.
AECAF said the new leadership faces an important responsibility of ensuring that Nigeria’s renewed participation in the World Energy Council translates into practical benefits for the country’s energy sector.
It noted that the global energy landscape is being reshaped by concerns over energy security, affordability, sustainability, technological innovation and geopolitical developments, making Nigeria’s active participation in international energy conversations increasingly important.
The association commended Isa’s contributions to indigenous refining and industrial development, saying his experience and leadership would be valuable in advancing Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen domestic energy capacity and reduce vulnerabilities in the energy supply chain.
AECAF also praised Wunti’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer, highlighting his more than three decades of experience in the energy sector and his expertise in strategy, policy development, revenue optimisation and sectoral reforms.
According to the association, Wunti’s professional experience would position him to provide the strategic leadership required to make WEC Nigeria a strong platform for policy dialogue, stakeholder engagement and international cooperation.
The journalists urged the new leadership to place energy security at the centre of the council’s engagement, arguing that Nigeria’s development ambitions depend heavily on the availability of reliable, affordable and sustainable energy.
It said the council should use its international network to facilitate knowledge sharing, attract investments and promote technologies capable of improving energy production, distribution and access in Nigeria.
AECAF also called for a balanced approach to the energy transition, stressing that Nigeria must pursue environmental sustainability without losing sight of the country’s immediate development needs.
The association said Nigeria’s energy transition strategy should take into consideration the country’s huge energy-access deficit, industrialisation requirements, population growth and the need to create employment and improve living standards.
It argued that the transition should therefore not be viewed simply as a move away from conventional energy sources, but as an opportunity to build a more diversified, reliable and efficient energy system.
According to AECAF, Nigeria’s abundant oil and gas resources remain important to its economy, while investments in renewable energy, cleaner technologies, gas infrastructure and other emerging energy solutions should be encouraged as part of a broader transition strategy.
The association said WEC Nigeria could play a significant role in facilitating the dialogue required to reconcile these priorities and ensure that Nigeria’s energy policies remain aligned with both national development objectives and evolving global trends.
It further noted that the World Energy Council provides Nigeria with an opportunity to bring its unique energy realities to international discussions and to advocate for the interests of developing economies.
AECAF said Nigeria should use the platform to draw greater global attention to Africa’s energy-access challenges and the enormous investment required to close the continent’s infrastructure and electricity gaps.
The association also identified investment attraction as a major area in which WEC Nigeria could contribute to the country’s development.
It said stronger international partnerships could help unlock capital, technology and expertise for projects across Nigeria’s oil and gas, refining, power, renewable energy and broader infrastructure sectors.
AECAF expressed optimism that the council could serve as a bridge between Nigeria and global energy companies, investors, policymakers, research institutions and technology providers.
It 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.
The association said the development reflected efforts to reposition Nigeria as a stronger voice in the global energy community while creating new opportunities for investment, partnerships and sustainable growth.
AECAF urged Isa, Wunti and the inaugural board to develop an inclusive framework that brings government, private-sector operators, academia, professional organisations and other stakeholders into meaningful discussions on Nigeria’s energy future.
It also pledged to maintain a constructive relationship with the new WEC Nigeria leadership and support informed public discourse on energy policies, investments, reforms and innovations.
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 sector responds to the energy transition, technological disruption and emerging geopolitical challenges.
It wished Isa, Wunti and members of the inaugural board success in their new responsibilities, expressing confidence that their combined experience could help strengthen Nigeria’s engagement with the international energy community.
AECAF said the success of Nigeria’s renewed participation in the World Energy Council would ultimately depend on the ability of the new leadership to convert international engagement into tangible outcomes—stronger energy security, increased investment, technological innovation, improved access and a transition pathway that supports Nigeria’s economic development.
