Oando's Dr. Irune Joins World Energy Council Board

On 7 August, the governing board of the World Energy Council’s Nigerian Member Committee was inaugurated in Abuja, chaired by Abdulrazaq Isa, co-founder of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited. Among the nine members appointed is Dr Ainojie Alex Irune, the 45-year-old Managing Director of Oando Energy Resources and an Executive Director of Oando PLC.

Bala Wunti, formerly Chief HSE Officer at NNPC Limited, serves as the committee’s chief executive. The board includes members from various sectors, including academia and private enterprise.

Dr Irune's appointment reflects significant industry transformation within his career, which began in technology and automotive research in the UK before transitioning to the energy sector. He has played a key role in Oando's growth, including the $1.5 billion acquisition of ConocoPhillips’ Nigerian upstream business in 2014 and the $783 million acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company in 2024, which doubled Oando's interests in OMLs 60–63.

His leadership is pivotal as the industry evolves towards greater local ownership and operational control.