The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has named Ademola Adeyemi-Bero as the Chairman of its Board of Governors for 2025. The announcement, made at the 189th OPEC Conference, highlights Nigeria’s strengthened leadership position in the global energy sector.
The CEO of FIRST Exploration & Petroleum Development business Limited (FIRST E&P), a well-known independent oil business in Nigeria, is Adeyemi-Bero, who has more than 38 years of experience in the oil and gas sector.
A statement issued in Abuja by Nneamaka Okafor, spokesperson to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, described the appointment as a significant achievement for Nigeria.
“This prestigious role highlights Nigeria’s influence within OPEC and underscores the nation’s commitment to shaping global energy policies,” the statement noted.
Prior to this appointment, Adeyemi-Bero had been confirmed as Nigeria’s OPEC Governor for 2025. Lokpobiri hailed the new chairman’s elevation as a testament to Nigeria’s active contributions to the global oil industry and emphasised the importance of the role in advocating for balanced energy policies that benefit producers, consumers, and the global economy.
The minister also expressed gratitude to the outgoing OPEC Governor for Nigeria, Gabriel Aduda, acknowledging his exemplary service and instrumental role in enhancing Nigeria’s presence and influence within OPEC.
Additionally, OPEC named Adeeb Al-Aama, Governor of Saudi Arabia, as the Alternate Chairman of the Board of Governors for 2025.
The conference addressed critical issues, including reports from the Secretary-General and the Economic Commission Board (ECB), while also extending the tenure of OPEC Secretary-General Haitham Al Ghais for an additional three years, effective 1 August 2025. Member nations lauded Al Ghais for his exceptional leadership and dedication to OPEC’s objectives.
With Adeyemi-Bero’s appointment, Nigeria has achieved yet another significant milestone in the global energy arena, reinforcing the country’s strategic significance in talks on energy policy.
