NIGERIA BECOMES AN INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY __ (IEA) ASSOCIATION COUNTRY

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja

Press Release

No: MFA/PR/2026/131

NIGERIA BECOMES AN INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY __ (IEA)
ASSOCIATION COUNTRY

The Federal Government of Nigeria is pleased to announce the successful
admission of Nigeria as an Association Country of the International Energy
Agency (IEA), marking a historic milestone in the nation’s engagement with the
global energy community and reinforcing its growing leadership in international
energy governance.

The landmark decision was approved by the IEA Governing Board and formally
communicated by the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, Dr.
Fatih Birol, who welcomed Nigeria into the IEA family. The Executive Director
noted that Nigeria’s admission was the fastest accession process in the
Agency’s 52-year history, reflecting the country’s strategic importance,
demonstrated leadership, and credibility as a reliable global energy partner.

According to Dr. Birol, Nigeria’s admission recognizes the country’s increasingly
important role in the evolving global energy landscape, particularly its
contribution to global energy security during recent energy market disruptions
and the growing significance of its energy sector. He further stated that the IEA
Association framework will deepen cooperation through enhanced policy
dialogue, technical collaboration, data exchange, and support for Nigeria’s
priorities in energy access, affordability, sustainability, and energy security.

The Ministry notes that the International Energy Agency currently comprises 32
Member Countries and 13 Association Countries, representing approximately 75
per cent of global energy demand. Nigeria’s admission significantly strengthens
its voice in shaping global energy policies while expanding opportunities for
strategic cooperation with leading energy-producing and energy-consuming
nations.

The Ministry also welcomes the planned visit of the Executive Director of the IEA
to Abuja in the coming months to formally commemorate Nigeria’s admission
and sign the first Joint Work Programme between Nigeria and the IEA, which will
establish a comprehensive framework for future cooperation and replace the
existing Memorandum of Understanding between both parties.

The Federal Government expresses its appreciation to the International Energy
Agency, its Governing Board, and all partners whose support contributed to this
important achievement. The Government also commends the efforts of the
Embassy of Nigeria in Paris and all relevant Ministries, Departments and
Agencies whose coordinated engagement facilitated Nigeria’s successful
admission into the Association framework.

Nigeria remains committed to promoting sustainable energy development,
enhancing global energy security, accelerating the energy transition, and
strengthening international partnerships that advance national development and
contribute to global prosperity.

Signed:

Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Thursday 9, July 2026