Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa has been named the inaugural Chairman of the World Energy Council (WEC), the preeminent international organisation promoting the sustainable supply and use of energy for the greatest benefit of all.
Abdulrazaq Isa is a Co-Founder and Chairman/CEO of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited an Indigenous Nigerian Independent oil and gas producing company which Operates the Ibigwe field in Oil Mining Lease 16 located in Imo State Nigeria.
Under Abdulrazaq’s leadership, WALTERSMITH commenced commercial export from the field in 2008 and in 2011 participated in the consortium that acquired Shell/Total/Agip 45% interest in OML 34.
With over 30 years professional experience as a Banker and Entrepreneur, Abdulrazaq has interests in Financial services and the oil and gas industry in Nigeria. He is an Alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria and The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, expressed excitement at Kutepa’s appointment and Nigeria’s admission as the newest National Member Committee of the World Energy Council (WEC).
He described the development as a significant endorsement of the country’s ongoing energy reforms and its growing leadership role in Africa’s energy sector.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President also congratulated the inaugural leadership of WEC Nigeria, led by Chairman, Mr Abdulrazaq Isa, and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bala Wunti, as well as members of the pioneer Board drawn from across the energy value chain, regulatory institutions, industry associations, finance, academia and the Future Energy Leaders community.
The President said Nigeria’s admission into the century-old global energy network, which comprises more than 100 countries, marks a proud moment for the nation and positions it to play a more influential role in shaping international discussions on energy security, equity and sustainability.
Declaring that Nigeria intends to play a leading role in the global energy landscape, Tinubu said, “Nigeria has joined the World Energy Council to lead, not just participate – to ensure Africa’s voice shapes global energy decisions.”
Tinubu described Kutepa as “a distinguished patriot and trailblazing industrialist,” whose pioneering investments in indigenous refining and industrial energy have created new opportunities for Nigerian enterprise.
