Nigeria’s Bala Wunti has been appointed the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the World Energy Council (WEC), giving the country a prominent leadership role in the century-old international energy organisation.
Wunti, a former Chief Health, Safety and Environment Officer of NNPC Ltd, brings more than three decades of experience across Nigeria’s petroleum and energy sectors to the new position.
President Bola Tinubu welcomed Wunti’s appointment alongside Nigeria’s admission as the newest National Member Committee of the WEC, describing the development as recognition of the country’s ongoing energy reforms and growing influence in Africa’s energy sector.
Tinubu said membership of the organisation, which has more than 100 member countries, would provide Nigeria with a stronger platform to contribute to global conversations on energy security, affordability, equity and sustainability.
“Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council to lead, not just participate – to ensure Africa’s voice shapes global energy decisions,” the President said.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu also congratulated the pioneer leadership of WEC Nigeria, led by Chairman Abdulrazaq Isa and CEO Bala Wunti.
The President described Isa as a distinguished industrialist whose investments in indigenous refining and industrial energy have created opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
He also commended Wunti as an experienced energy strategist and reform advocate, citing his decades of service and contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector.
Tinubu said the composition of the pioneer WEC Nigeria board, comprising industry leaders, regulators, finance experts, academics and youth representatives, would provide the neutrality and credibility required to advance the organisation’s objectives.
He pledged the Federal Government’s support for WEC Nigeria in driving policy dialogue, investment mobilisation and technological innovation, while expressing Nigeria’s readiness to work with the WEC headquarters in London and its global membership to promote secure, affordable and sustainable energy.
