Nigeria and the International Energy Agency have entered into a Joint Work Programme designed to enhance energy data development and promote evidence-based policymaking and investment in the sector.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice-President.

The agreement is expected to strengthen collaboration between Nigeria and the IEA on energy-related matters.

Vice President Kashim Shettima described Nigeria’s formal admission as an IEA Association country as a significant milestone, noting that the partnership would provide the country with access to the agency’s technical expertise, institutional knowledge and global energy networks.

Shettima made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja at the signing ceremony, which was attended by Nigerian government officials and a delegation from the Paris-based energy organisation.

He said Nigeria’s admission underscored the country’s growing strategic importance in the global energy landscape, as well as the confidence in its commitment to implementing reforms in the energy sector.

“Nigeria’s admission as an association country with the IEA is a significant milestone for our country,” Shettima said.

He said the partnership would enable Nigeria to leverage the IEA’s technical expertise and global experience as the Federal Government works to advance its energy ambitions.

The Vice President also highlighted Nigeria’s significant renewable energy potential and the administration’s efforts to reposition the economy by harnessing the country’s energy resources.

He assured the IEA of Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to promote a fair and equitable global energy transition.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said the agency’s work covers a broad range of energy technologies and areas, including oil and gas, solar power, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.

Birol noted that Nigeria underwent extensive assessments before its admission was unanimously approved by the IEA Governing Board, which comprises major economies including the United States, Japan, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom.

“The IEA will accompany the Nigerian energy sector for the next few years to come for a much better energy future,” Birol said.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the Joint Work Programme would provide technical support for developing reliable energy data to inform decision-making across Nigeria’s energy value chain.

He said the programme would help drive economic growth, enhance energy security and strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to attract investment into the sector.

Ekpo attributed Nigeria’s admission to the IEA to reforms implemented by the Tinubu administration, which he said underscored the government’s commitment to transforming the economy and energy industry.