President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr. Victor Ekpenyong and some distinguished Nigerians on their inauguration into the Board of World Energy Council (WEC).
The Board has Mr. Abdulrazaq Isa OFR, co-founder and chairman of Watersmith Petroman Oil Limited as its Chairman, with Mr. Bala Wunti a former Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer of NNPC as the Chief Executive Officer of WEC. Others are Dr. Ainoje Alex Irume; Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi; Dr Emmanuel Okon; Ms. Aisha Farida Katagum; Prof Wumi Iledare, Dr. Talba Imamudeen, among other established industry figures.
The President’s position was contained in a State House release signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser Information and Strategy to the President.
President Tinubu, whose administration has consolidated on the gains of the energy sector and pursued newer reforms, noted that Nigeria’s membership in the centenary old global energy board affirms the impact and influence of the country as a continental authority in the energy ecosystem and the future of energy transition for economic growth and broader development.
Part of the President’s statement reads “It is a proud moment for the nation and a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s energy reforms and leadership role in Africa.”
To further the nation’s national interest in the delivery of energy security and affordability, President Tinubu assured of his administration’s fullest support to the Council, which he believes is balanced, drawing professionals from regulatory institutions, industry groups, finance, academia, and Future Energy Leaders Community. He stressed as a neutral, technology- agnostic platform for policy dialogue, investment mobilization and innovation, the country will partner WEC Nigeria and London World Energy Council to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy for all.
Speaking on the expectations of Nigeria’s addition into its network, the Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of World Energy Council, Dr. Angela Wilkinson, said Nigeria’s membership Committee will strengthen the global energy community, which is dedicated to progressing clean and inclusive energy transition. She emphasized the country’s key role in advancing global energy climate security across Africa.
Ibom Developers FZE supports community electricity restoration project in Ukwa East LGA
“Nigeria has a significant leadership role, and the member committee will help bring that expertise and voice onto the world stage at the Riyadh World Energy Congress in April 2027 and beyond”, Wilkinson added.
Similarly, Dr. Omar Farouk, the World’s Energy Council Chair for Africa and former Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers Organization, said “the addition of Nigeria to the world Energy Council network will bring the vibrant, innovative leadership of Africa’s biggest population to our global critical conversation.”
Dr. Victor Ekpenyong, whose voice and experience has shaped conversations around technology innovation, energy security, transition and sustainability, is optimistic that his appointment into the Board will shape existing plans, bring Nigeria’s experience and judgment into rooms where global energy policy is decided. He is confident that the inauguration of the board has served the wider industry and indigenous leadership sits on the table, which would change how investors and partners see what is possible from African operators.
Ekpenyong, who is the founder of Kenyon West Africa International Company Limited, assured the next generation of young, exceptional energy professionals, innovators and rising experts of a voice within the Future Energy Leaders Community.
