Nigeria Joins IEA Energy Partnership, Secures Policy Support for Energy Security

Nigeria has formalised a strategic partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA), signing a Joint Work Programme aimed at strengthening energy data, policy development and investment across the country’s energy value chain.

The agreement, signed on Thursday, marks a major step in Nigeria’s formal integration into the IEA framework as an Association Country and is expected to deepen cooperation on energy security, affordability, sustainability and economic development.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the signing ceremony, described Nigeria’s admission as a significant milestone and a validation of the administration’s economic and energy-sector reforms.

Shettima said the development demonstrated growing international confidence in Nigeria’s policy direction and efforts to harness the country’s vast energy resources to drive economic growth.

«“Nigeria’s admission as an association country with the IEA is a significant milestone for our country and it reflects Nigeria’s strategic importance in the global energy landscape and the confidence that IEA has placed in our commitment to constructive international energy cooperation,” he said.»

The Vice President said the partnership would give Nigeria access to the IEA’s institutional knowledge, technical expertise and global network as the country seeks to reposition its energy sector.

He noted that Nigeria possesses significant conventional and renewable energy resources, adding that the administration was committed to leveraging these resources to support economic transformation.

According to him, Nigeria would also use the partnership to contribute more actively to international discussions on energy security and a fair and just energy transition.

IEA promises long-term support

IEA Executive Director, Dr Fatih Birol, said Nigeria’s admission was not automatic, noting that countries seeking to join the IEA family undergo extensive consideration.

Birol said the IEA brings together governments and leading energy experts covering a broad range of technologies and energy sources, including oil, gas, solar, nuclear power, artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.

He disclosed that following extensive discussions with Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, the IEA Governing Board — comprising governments including the United States, Japan, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom — unanimously approved Nigeria’s admission.

Birol pledged sustained technical and policy support for Nigeria, particularly in areas ranging from clean cooking and gas markets to capacity building and expert training.

«“The IEA will accompany the Nigerian energy sector for the next few years to come for a much better energy future,” he said.»

He added that the agency would provide policy advice and train Nigerian experts as part of the new partnership.

Agreement to strengthen energy data

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said Nigeria’s admission reflected the performance of the Tinubu administration and the reforms undertaken to reposition the economy.

He said the Joint Work Programme would facilitate closer collaboration between Nigerian institutions and IEA technical experts, particularly in generating reliable energy data needed for effective policymaking and investment decisions.

The programme is expected to cover the energy value chain and support Nigeria’s objectives of achieving economic growth and greater energy security.

The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said the Commission already had a working relationship with the IEA, including joint sponsorship of Nigeria’s most recent National Energy Master Plan.

However, he noted that the relationship previously lacked a formal structure.

Abdullahi expressed optimism that Nigeria’s new status within the IEA and the Joint Work Programme would provide a stronger framework for cooperation.

Foreign Affairs Ministry pledges support

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanaiye, described the partnership as strategically important to Nigeria’s national interests.

He credited the Nigerian Mission in Paris with playing a significant role in facilitating the process and pledged continued support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Enikanaiye said the ministry’s responsibility was to ensure that policies and achievements at home were effectively projected internationally in ways that advance Nigeria’s interests.

He assured that the ministry would continue to serve as a facilitator and coordinator to ensure that Nigeria derives maximum benefits from its new relationship with the IEA.

The agreement comes as Nigeria seeks to attract greater investment into its energy sector, strengthen energy security and expand access to reliable and affordable energy while navigating the global transition towards cleaner energy sources.