Nigeria's Power Sector Leaders Convene for Executive Dialogue on Energy Security
In a significant move to address persistent challenges in Nigeria's electricity industry, prominent stakeholders are gathering for an exclusive executive dialogue focused on enhancing sub-national energy security. The event, organized by NOJA Power Australia, a leading provider of smart-grid solutions, carries the theme 'Effective Collaboration Between States, Regulators, and Distribution Companies: A Synergy for Sub-National Energy Security'.
High-Level Gathering in Lagos
Scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Lagos as part of the Akinwunmi & Busari LP 'Let There Be Light' Series, this strategic networking session will bring together approximately sixty influential decision-makers from across Nigeria's power ecosystem. The distinguished participants include the Honourable Minister for Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, and the Honourable Minister for Finance, Chief Wale Edun, alongside pivotal figures from state energy commissions, electricity regulatory bodies, distribution companies, and the investment community.
Addressing Post-Electricity Act Challenges
The dialogue aims to tackle critical issues that have emerged since the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, including regulatory overlap, jurisdictional uncertainties, and investment risks. Designed as a high-level discussion forum rather than a traditional conference, the event seeks to foster practical collaboration among states, regulatory bodies, and distribution companies to enhance Nigeria's power distribution ecosystem.
With insights from NOJA Power's global expertise in electricity distribution automation, the dialogue will promote constructive conversations and solution development focused on ensuring reliable and sustainable electricity supply as Nigeria navigates the transition toward decentralization in the power sector.
Program Structure and Key Participants
The event will commence with opening remarks from key government officials, including the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Chief Olawale Edun, and the Special Assistant to the President on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen. A keynote address by NOJA Power will provide a global perspective on electricity distribution reform, drawing on successful strategies from international markets to inform discussions about adapting best practices to Nigeria's unique context.
The dialogue will feature two executive sessions. The first session, titled 'Resolving Regulatory Overlap in Nigeria's post-Electricity Act 2023 Power Market', will examine practical models for state-distribution company coexistence. Panelists include HC Biodun Ogunieye, Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; HC Engr. Dr Johnson Jaiyoola Alabi, Commissioner of the Ondo State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, Managing Director of NISO; Dr Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, Managing Director of Kano Electricity Distribution Plc; and Dr Musiliu Olalekan Oseni, CEO of NERC. The session will be moderated by Mr Chukwubuike Nnaeto.
The second session, 'De-risking Power Infrastructure Investments Under the Electricity Act: The Lender's Perspective', will focus on the financial backbone of electricity reform. This discussion brings together representatives from key financial sectors, including Mr Abdulqadir Mohammed Dahiru, Head of Investment at the Nigerian Pension Commission; Mr Olufemi Ogunseinde, Executive Director of Investment at the Ministry of Finance; Mr Rotimi Akinde, Executive Director of Corporate Finance at the Bank of Industry (BOI); Dr Demola Shogunle, Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers/Stanbic Pensions; and Dr Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director/CEO of the Rural Electricity Agency (REA). The session will be moderated by Mrs Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, reflecting the growing role of institutional capital in Nigeria's power sector.
Closed-Door Format for Open Dialogue
Organizers emphasize that the closed-door nature of this dialogue is intended to facilitate open discussions and collective accountability among participants. "Successful electricity reform requires a unified approach where regulation, investment, and operations work in concert. This Dialogue is a vital step toward aligning policy, regulatory practices, and investment realities, ensuring that reforms yield tangible benefits for businesses and communities across Nigeria," stated an organizing partner.
The forum will also showcase innovative distribution and infrastructure solutions currently being implemented at subnational levels, highlighting the expanding role of states and private operators in delivering electricity across Nigeria.
