The Board of the World Energy Council (WEC) Nigeria has selected Bala Wunti as the organization’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer. This move creates a formal executive branch for the council in Nigeria, a nation that has been a member of the global body since 1960.
Wunti brings over 30 years of industry experience, having held high-ranking positions at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd). His career spans the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. As the Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NUIMS, he oversaw joint ventures and Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), playing a key role in renegotiating Nigeria’s Deep Offshore PSCs to resolve ongoing commercial disputes.
Known for his operational focus, Wunti spearheaded initiatives that successfully lowered production expenses to under $10 per barrel. His background also includes leadership at the Petroleum Products Marketing Company, where he helped launch ‘Operation White’ to increase transparency in fuel distribution. Later, as Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at NNPC, he assisted in the company’s evolution into a commercially driven enterprise.
Beyond his domestic work, Wunti has been a representative on the OPEC Economic Commission Board and involved with the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. He is also recognized for his efforts in tackling pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft through improved surveillance infrastructure. Wunti holds credentials from Harvard Business School and the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. He envisions WEC Nigeria as a hub where government, industry, and academic leaders can collaborate to turn energy dialogues into practical, sustainable solutions for the nation.