Nigeria has taken another step towards improving its energy sector after signing a Joint Work Programme with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to strengthen energy data, support better policymaking and attract investment. The agreement is expected to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the Paris-based energy organisation as the country works to improve its energy security and unlock opportunities across the sector.
The deal was signed in Abuja on Thursday during a ceremony attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Nigerian officials and an IEA delegation led by Executive Director Fatih Birol. Shettima described Nigeria’s admission as an IEA Association country as a major milestone, saying the partnership would give the country access to the agency’s technical expertise, institutional knowledge and global energy networks.
According to Shettima, the partnership comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to maximise its oil and gas resources while also expanding its renewable energy potential. He said the government remained committed to working with stakeholders on a fair and just energy transition, while leveraging the country’s energy resources to support economic development.
Birol said the IEA would provide Nigeria with policy advice and technical assistance covering areas such as clean cooking, gas markets and capacity development for energy professionals. He noted that Nigeria had undergone extensive assessments before its admission was unanimously approved by the IEA Governing Board, adding that the agency would work with the country in the coming years towards a stronger energy future. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the new programme would also help develop reliable energy data to guide decisions across Nigeria’s energy value chain.
The agreement comes as Nigeria pushes reforms aimed at making its energy sector more attractive to investors. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has said reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act have helped unlock more than $10 billion in upstream oil and gas investment. With the IEA partnership now in place, the government hopes stronger data, technical support and international cooperation will help accelerate investment, improve energy security and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global energy market.
source: nairametrics
