Nigeria and the International Energy Agency have signed a Joint Work Programme aimed at strengthening cooperation on energy policy, data development, investment and energy security, marking a new phase in relations following Nigeria’s admission as an Association Country of the IEA. The agreement was signed in Abuja on September 3, with Vice President Kashim Shettima describing the partnership as a significant milestone that reflects Nigeria’s growing importance in the global energy landscape, according to ChannelsTv and Reuters report.
The programme will focus on improving the quality and availability of energy data to support policymaking and investment across Nigeria’s energy value chain. Cooperation will also cover natural gas development, electrification, clean cooking, renewable energy, energy efficiency and methane emissions reduction, areas that are central to Nigeria’s efforts to expand energy access while strengthening the reliability and sustainability of its energy system.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said Nigeria could potentially double energy investment within five years as its association with the agency strengthens investor confidence and technical cooperation. He highlighted Nigeria’s oil, gas and renewable energy resources and said changing global energy trade patterns were creating opportunities for reliable suppliers and investment partners. Nigeria is also targeting an increase in oil production to about 3 million barrels per day by 2030, supported by sector reforms, infrastructure investment and improved security.
The agreement gives Nigeria access to the IEA’s institutional expertise and international energy networks at a critical point in its economic transformation. With millions of Nigerians still lacking reliable electricity and clean cooking solutions, stronger collaboration on energy data, investment, infrastructure and cleaner technologies could help attract capital, improve energy security and position the country as a more influential player in global energy markets.
