Nigeria, IEA Sign Pact On Energy Policy, Security

Nigeria and the International Energy Agency have signed a Joint Work Programme to strengthen cooperation on energy data, policy, investment and security.

The agreement was signed in Abuja on Thursday as Nigeria deepened its relationship with the Paris-based energy organisation following its admission as an Association Country of the IEA.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, described Nigeria’s admission as a significant milestone and an indication of progress in the administration’s economic reforms.

He said the partnership would help Nigeria leverage its abundant energy resources and strengthen its global energy role.

The Joint Work Programme will focus on developing reliable energy data to support policymaking and investment decisions across the energy value chain. It will also strengthen cooperation in areas including natural gas, electrification, clean cooking and energy efficiency.

The partnership comes as Nigeria seeks investment in oil, gas and renewable energy while addressing electricity access and energy security.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said Nigeria’s new status could help attract more investment and deepen technical cooperation. He expressed confidence that energy investment in Nigeria could potentially double within five years.

Birol said Nigeria’s oil, gas and renewable energy potential make it an important partner as global energy markets face disruptions.

He also highlighted the importance of improving Nigeria’s energy data systems, particularly information on oil production and exports, to improve investment decisions.

Nigeria became an IEA Association Country in July after the agency’s governing board unanimously approved its application. The country is the first OPEC member to join the IEA as an associate member.

The development gives Nigeria a stronger platform for international energy policy engagement, technical cooperation and investment.

The Federal Government is seeking to increase oil production, expand gas development, improve electricity access and strengthen renewable energy deployment.

The agreement is expected to support Nigeria’s broader energy reforms by providing access to international expertise, better data systems and stronger cooperation on energy security.

Both sides are expected to work together under the programme to develop practical initiatives that can improve energy planning, investment and access while supporting Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.