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The International Energy Agency (IEA) Governing Board has unanimously agreed to admit Nigeria as an Association country, marking a major step in global energy governance and expanding the IEA Family to represent more than 80% of global energy demand.

Home to more than 240 million people and one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria is a leading producer of oil and natural gas and has one of the continent’s fastest-growing renewable energy markets. Despite its rich energy resources, the country faces significant challenges in expanding access to reliable electricity and clean cooking solutions for millions of its citizens.

“Nigeria becoming part of the world’s energy authority marks a milestone for global energy governance, 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.”

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said he would like other African countries to ‘embrace’ the IEA to work together to achieve key development goals including universal energy access and industrialisation.”

Nigeria’s importance in international energy markets has been underscored by recent developments in refining and fuel exports from the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, which helped stabilise regional markets during supply disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East. The country is also emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing markets for decentralised solar solutions, while stepping up efforts to expand access to electricity and clean cooking.

Nigeria has collaborated with the IEA since 2014. In September 2025, the agency partnered with Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the African Energy Commission to host a regional roundtable in Abuja on reducing methane emissions from the energy sector.

As an Association country, Nigeria will work more closely with the IEA on a wide range of energy issues, including engagement in sub-Saharan Africa. Created in 2015, the Association programme deepens ties with major energy-producing and consuming countries. Nigeria joins 13 other Association members, raising the IEA Family’s share of global energy demand from 40% in 2015 to over 80% today.

Nigeria is now the first member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to join the IEA family.