Nigeria has secured a seat at the table where the world’s energy future gets decided, joining the International Energy Agency as an associate member in what the agency’s chief calls the swiftest membership process in its 52-year history.
The IEA’s governing board, made up of representatives from its 53 member governments, unanimously approved Nigeria’s application, capping a process that began in May when Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (Gas), formally applied on Nigeria’s behalf in May.
Fatih Birol, the agency’s executive director, who has run the Paris-based agency since 2015 and has worked in the energy sector for more than three decades, said he could not recall a faster turnaround for any applicant in his tenure.
“To become a member of the IEA is not an easy task, to be honest. In some cases, it takes years, sometimes even longer. The Nigerian government applied to join the IEA family in May, just a few months ago,” Birol said.
He added, “There were many discussions across different committees. I personally spoke with all the governments to accelerate and facilitate Nigeria’s accession.”
