Nigeria has become the first member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to be admitted as an associate member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), marking a significant milestone in the country’s global energy diplomacy.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperipe Ekpo, announced the development on Tuesday, 7th July, during the NOG Energy Week 2026 conference in Abuja.
According to the minister, the IEA formally admitted Nigeria on July 2, 2026, making the country the sixth in Africa to attain associate membership.
Ekpo described the development as a strategic achievement that strengthens Nigeria’s position in global energy governance by enabling it to serve as a bridge between major energy stakeholders.
“Nigeria is uniquely anchoring a balanced global dialogue, ensuring equitable energy transitions while defending the right of developing nations to responsibly harness their gas assets,” he said.
Read Also: https://theportcitynews.com/2026/07/07/portable-defends-remi-tinubus-akara-and-kuli-kuli-statement/
The minister also announced that Nigeria has assumed the presidency of the 2026 Ministerial Meeting of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), further enhancing the country’s influence in the international gas sector.
He added that Nigerian energy executive Philip Mshelbila has been elected Secretary-General of the GECF, describing the appointments as a testament to Nigeria’s growing leadership in global energy affairs.
Ekpo said the achievements align with the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging the nation’s vast natural gas resources to drive economic growth and industrialisation, rather than relying solely on the export of raw commodities.
Under the Decade of Gas initiative, he said the government is prioritising the utilisation of natural gas to power domestic industries, expand fertiliser and petrochemical production, modernise commercial transportation, and provide clean cooking solutions to millions of households.
He noted that increased domestic gas utilisation would create jobs, boost industrial productivity, reduce dependence on imports, and improve the living standards of Nigerians.
The latest developments underscore Nigeria’s expanding role in international energy diplomacy while reinforcing its commitment to achieving sustainable economic growth through the strategic development of its abundant gas resources.
