Nigeria joins the IEA in a major step for global energy governance

Leading energy producer and most populous nation in Africa becomes part of IEA Family, which now represents over 80% of global energy demand

The Governing Board of the International Energy Agency has unanimously agreed for Nigeria to join the IEA Family as an Association country, deepening the Agency's cooperation with Africa's most populous nation in a major advance for global energy governance.

Home to over 240 million people and one of Africa's largest economies, Nigeria is a major producer of oil and natural gas and is one of the continent's most dynamic renewable energy markets. At the same time, it faces significant energy challenges, including expanding access to reliable and affordable energy services for millions of people who currently lack electricity and clean cooking solutions.

"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."

Nigeria's growing role in international energy markets has been highlighted by recent developments in its refining sector. During recent periods of market disruption, increased fuel exports from Nigeria helped strengthen resilience in African and international fuel markets. The country has also emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing markets for decentralised solar solutions and is stepping up efforts to expand access to electricity and clean cooking.

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.