‘Isa, Wunti’s Pick For World Energy Council Will Strengthen Nigeria’s Global Energy Ties’

The appointments of Abdulrazaq Isa as chairman and Bala Wunti as chief executive officer of the World Energy Council Nigeria will strengthen Nigeria’s ties with international energy partners and help attract investment, the Association of Energy Correspondents, Abuja FCT (AECAF), has said.

AECAF chairman John Ofikhenua, in a congratulatory letter on Wednesday said the country’s WEC membership “offers Nigeria an opportunity to attract investment and deepen international partnerships.”

Ofikhenua added that the appointments would promote technological innovation and ensure “the realities and priorities of Nigeria and Africa are adequately represented in global energy decisions.”

AECAF described Nigeria’s re‑entry to the WEC as “timely and significant,” saying it restores the country’s place in one of the world’s most influential energy networks and provides a platform for Nigeria to contribute to discussions on energy security, affordability, sustainability and an equitable transition.

The association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his leadership “ensured Nigeria’s return to the World Energy Council” and showed the administration’s commitment to repositioning the country as a leading voice in the global energy community and to creating an environment for investment and sustainable growth.

On the new appointees, AECAF said Isa’s “pioneering contributions to indigenous refining and industrial development” and his leadership and entrepreneurial vision justified his appointment as chairman. The letter praised Wunti’s more than three decades in the energy industry and said his experience in strategy, policy formulation, revenue optimisation and sectoral reform made him “exceptionally suited” to be CEO.

“We are confident that his integrity, experience and strategic leadership will take the Council and Nigeria’s wider energy sector to lofty heights,” the letter said.

AECAF noted it was established in 2007 and comprises editors and reporters who cover Nigeria’s oil, gas and broader energy sector in Abuja and the northern region. The association said it looked forward to a “productive relationship with the World Energy Council Nigeria” and pledged to support informed public dialogue on the policies, investments and innovations needed to secure Nigeria’s energy future.