- Nigeria has become the International Energy Agency’s 14th Association country, expanding the IEA Family to represent more than 80% of global energy demand.
- The partnership will strengthen collaboration on energy security, renewable energy, methane emissions reduction and energy access across Sub Saharan Africa.
- Nigeria’s growing role in oil, gas and decentralised solar markets reinforces its importance in global energy governance.
Nigeria has officially joined the International Energy Agency as an Association country, marking a significant milestone in global energy cooperation and strengthening the country’s influence in international energy policy.
The unanimous decision by the IEA Governing Board brings Africa’s most populous nation into the IEA Family, which now represents more than 80% of global energy demand.
With a population exceeding 240 million and one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria is a major producer of oil and natural gas while also emerging as one of the continent’s fastest growing renewable energy markets. The country continues to address major energy access challenges, including expanding reliable electricity and clean cooking solutions to millions of people.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol welcomed the decision, describing Nigeria as a major international energy player whose membership strengthens global energy governance.
He said deeper cooperation would support Nigeria’s efforts to improve energy security, drive economic growth and expand access to modern energy services while strengthening the longstanding partnership between the country and the IEA.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said joining the IEA was an important achievement for the country and encouraged other African nations to strengthen their engagement with the agency to support universal energy access, industrialisation and sustainable development.
Nigeria’s growing importance in global energy markets has been reinforced by recent developments in its refining sector. During periods of market disruption, increased fuel exports from the country have contributed to greater resilience in African and international fuel markets.
The country has also become one of the world’s fastest growing markets for decentralised solar energy, while continuing to expand electricity access and accelerate the deployment of clean cooking solutions.
The agreement builds on more than a decade of cooperation between Nigeria and the IEA, which began in 2014. In September 2025, the IEA, Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the African Energy Commission jointly hosted a regional roundtable in Abuja focused on turning methane reduction commitments into practical action across the energy sector.
As an Association country, Nigeria will deepen collaboration with the IEA across a broad range of energy priorities, including the agency’s work throughout Sub Saharan Africa.
Established in 2015, the IEA Association programme brings together major energy producing and energy consuming countries to promote secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems. Nigeria becomes the programme’s 14th Association country, further expanding the IEA’s global reach and reinforcing its role as a platform for international energy cooperation.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
