Ekperipe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), says the International Energy Agency (IEA) has officially admitted Nigeria as its newest associate member.
Ekpo spoke on Tuesday at the NOG Energy Week 2026 conference in Abuja.
He said the admission makes Nigeria the IEA’s sixth African association member and the first member of the Organisation of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) to attain the status.
According to the minister, “on July 2nd 2026, the International Energy Agency officially admitted Nigeria as its newest association country”.
“As the first OPEC member to partner with the IEA and its sixth African association member, 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.
Ekpo said Nigeria has also assumed the presidency of the 2026 gas exporting countries forum (GECF)
