Nigeria became the first OPEC member to join the International Energy Agency
(IEA) as an associate member, deepening ties between the global energy agency
and Africa's largest oil producer. The move brings a country of more than 240
mln people into the IEA network. Nigeria is a major oil and gas exporter but
faces domestic energy constraints, including limited power supply and heavy
reliance on polluting cooking fuels. Nigeria is seeking to expand its influence
by raising refining capacity and boosting fuel exports, while the IEA aims to
broaden engagement with major emerging energy participants.