Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — Over 8,500 energy professionals gathered in Lagos for West Africa’s largest gathering of power sector stakeholders under the theme “Powering Nigeria Through Investment, Innovation and Partnership.”
The three-day summit, endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Power, brought together government leaders, policymakers, investors, and private sector executives to tackle the nation’s most pressing energy challenges, reaffirming the event’s position as the region’s leading platform for turning policy ambition into actionable partnerships.
In his welcome address, Ade Yesufu, Exhibition Director, Energy Portfolio, emphasized the summit’s role as a national platform for progress and the urgency of moving from policy to implementation in Nigeria’s energy transition.
“For over a decade, this platform has brought together the most influential voices shaping the future of Nigeria’s economy. Today, it stands not just as a conference but as a national platform for progress, a meeting point for government, private sector investors, regulators, innovators, and global partners united by one purpose: delivering reliable and sustainable power for Nigeria and for Africa,” he said.
Delivering the Ministerial address, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, described this year’s theme as timely and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the Electricity Act 2023 and strengthening private sector participation.
“Nigeria stands at a historic turning point in its energy transition journey. With the Electricity Act 2023, we are unlocking state-led power generation, decentralized energy markets, and increased private sector participation,” he stated.
Chief Adelabu further explained that the Ministry’s vision aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on economic revitalization through enterprise, innovation, and shared prosperity.
He emphasized that the ultimate goal is to build a power sector where collaboration, innovation, and transparency drive lasting progress.
“The reforms underway are designed to open new doors for investment while improving reliability and access across all levels,” he added.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Biodun Ogunleye, Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, emphasized the role of sub-national leadership in Nigeria’s energy transition.
He stated: “With the recent passage of the Lagos State Electricity Law 2024, Lagos has made it clear that we are ready to take on a significantly larger role in reforming and restructuring our power sector. This law sets the stage for a cleaner Lagos and a localized market, establishing an institutional framework with a state-level independent system operator, regulatory oversight, and welcoming private sector participation.
“Our vision for Lagos is straightforward: We aim to be a shining example of a 21st-century city, powered by reliable, affordable, and clean energy, ensuring that every home, business, and school in Lagos has access to power without any hindrance.”
Day One featured a series of leadership dialogues and expert panels addressing the sector’s most pressing challenges.
Conversations around PPPs, electricity reform, and the implementation of the Electricity Act highlighted the need for clear regulatory frameworks, investor confidence, and stronger coordination between federal and state agencies. Speakers emphasized that unlocking sustainable power development requires aligning reforms with financing and innovation.
The day’s sessions also spotlighted the importance of energy efficiency as a core pillar of Nigeria’s power transformation, underscoring how coordinated policies and private sector collaboration can reduce losses, optimize resources, and drive long-term reliability across the value chain.
