Nigeria Applies to Join International Energy Agency as Associate Member

Nigeria has applied to join the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an associate member, according to IEA chief Fatih Birol. The request was submitted through Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo. The move comes as the IEA warns that global oil supply may fall short of demand due to disruptions in the Middle East. Nigeria produces over 1.4 million barrels of oil per day and is Africa’s largest producer.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, has officially applied to join the International Energy Agency (IEA) as an associate member, according to IEA executive director Fatih Birol.
Birol said he received a formal letter from the Nigerian government, sent through Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressing the country’s interest in becoming part of the “IEA Family” as an associate member government. He made the announcement on social media platform X, noting that he was pleased to receive Nigeria’s request.
The development comes at a time when the IEA, which currently has 32 member countries, is assessing global energy market pressures. The agency recently warned that worldwide oil supply may not be enough to meet total demand this year, citing disruptions in production linked to tensions and conflict involving Iran, which have affected oil flows in the Middle East.
Nigeria plays a significant role in global energy markets as Africa’s leading crude oil producer, with output exceeding 1.4 million barrels per day. Its participation in the IEA as an associate member could strengthen cooperation on energy policy, data sharing, and market stability discussions at a global level.