The Governing Board of the International Energy Agency (IEA) has unanimously agreed to admit Nigeria as an Association country, strengthening cooperation with Africa’s most populous nation and marking a significant development in global energy governance.

Nigeria, home to more than 240 million people and one of Africa’s largest economies, is a major producer of oil and natural gas. It is also emerging as one of the continent’s fastest-growing renewable energy markets.

However, the country continues to face major energy challenges, including expanding access to reliable electricity and clean cooking solutions for millions of people.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said Nigeria’s inclusion represents an important milestone for both the agency and global energy cooperation.

“I am thrilled that Nigeria is joining the IEA – it is Africa’s most populous country and a major international energy player. Nigeria becoming part of the world’s energy authority marks a milestone for global energy governance,” he said.

He added that closer cooperation would support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen energy security, expand access and drive economic growth, while also benefiting the IEA’s global mandate.

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, welcomed the decision, describing it as an honour for the country and encouraging wider African participation in the agency’s initiatives.

“I am elated with the decision of the IEA Members to officially welcome Nigeria to the IEA Family as an Association country,” he said.

Nigeria’s growing influence in global energy markets has been reflected in developments in its refining sector, with increased fuel exports during periods of global disruption helping to support fuel supply resilience in Africa and beyond. The country is also experiencing rapid growth in decentralised solar energy solutions as it works to expand electricity access and clean cooking adoption.

The IEA said its engagement with Nigeria builds on a cooperation framework that has been in place since 2014. In September 2025, the agency, Nigeria’s Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the African Energy Commission (AFREC) jointly hosted a regional roundtable in Abuja focused on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector.

As an Association country, Nigeria will collaborate more closely with the IEA across a range of energy issues, including initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. The Association programme, established in 2015, brings together key energy-producing and consuming nations to promote secure, affordable and sustainable energy systems.

With Nigeria’s inclusion, the IEA said the share of global energy demand covered by its Family of members and partners has risen from around 40% in 2015 to more than 80% today.