Nigeria gains IEA Association status as crude production rises

Nigeria has become an International Energy Agency Association country as it steps up crude production and seeks investment across its energy sector, OilPrice.com reported. The IEA Governing Board approved the move in June, bringing Nigeria alongside South Africa, Kenya and Senegal as Association countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nigerian crude output averaged 1.56 million barrels per day in June, the highest monthly average since April 2020, according to the report. Combined crude and condensate production increased for a fourth successive month, reaching 1.74 million bpd. The gains accompanied efforts to curb oil theft and sabotage in the Niger Delta as the government seeks further production growth by 2030.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission attributed the improvement mainly to steady operations across producing assets and the lack of major pipeline disruptions during the reporting period. OilPrice.com also cited the regulator’s August estimates, which put daily production between 1.64 million and 1.71 million bpd.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol met Vice President Kashim Shettima and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ekperikpe Ekpo in Abuja in September to advance the partnership. Their discussions covered Nigeria’s economic and energy priorities and the scope for closer cooperation. Shettima said the relationship would give Nigeria access to the agency’s knowledge, expertise and international reach.

The first joint work programme covers energy security, investment, data and statistics, efficiency and clean cooking. According to the IEA, Nigeria faces the challenge of serving fast-growing energy demand while attracting capital and improving access to dependable, affordable electricity. Birol said the partnership would support those priorities while deepening the agency’s engagement with African energy systems.

Alongside its oil expansion, Nigeria is pursuing a 2060 carbon-neutrality commitment under its Energy Transition Plan. OilPrice.com cited an August report from energy think tank Ember forecasting 1.7 GW of solar installations in 2026, up 45 per cent from 2025. The government also pledged $5 million in September for renewable energy development to be undertaken and operated by PowerGen Renewable Energy Nigeria Limited.