By Esther Onyegbula

The 10th edition of the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2025) will spotlight energy as a strategic lever for economic prosperity, industrial growth, and non-oil revenue expansion, organizers announced on Wednesday in Lagos.

Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Oluwole Adeuyi, said the flagship conference and exhibition, scheduled for July 8 in Lagos and November 20 virtually, will deepen stakeholder conversations around energy transition and sustainable development under the theme: “Decade of Energy Transition for Economic Prosperity.”

According to Adeuyi, NEF2025 will build on the Forum’s track record of tangible impact, including facilitating a $40 million financing deal for agro-processing and launching a €30 million clean energy fund. “NEF has shown the unique capacity to turn convenings into capital,” he said.

Over 300 participants and 25 influential speakers, ranging from policymakers to investors and innovators, are expected to attend the Lagos conference, which will hold at the Marcellina Conference Centre, Ikeja GRA.

A key highlight of the event is the grand finale of the Tertiary Institutions Students Energy Pitch Contest, where 10 teams shortlisted from 93 entries across 35 institutions and 25 states will pitch energy innovations. The contest, now in its third year, is supported by All On, an impact investment company focused on increasing energy access in Nigeria.

NEF Co-Chairman, Mr. Adekunle Makinde, said the conference will also feature a week-long 10th anniversary celebration, including a field visit to a solar-powered cold hub in the Sagbokoji coastal community, courtesy visits to energy stakeholders, a thanksgiving service, and a Decade of Impact awards ceremony.

Makinde also confirmed that the opening plenary on July 8 will be headlined by Ms. Elsie Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria. Other keynote speakers include:

Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB). Dr. Marit Kitaw, Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). Michael Olugbemi, CEO, Presidential CNG Initiative. Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI. A representative of the Honourable Minister of Power

The event will feature four major Super-sessions: Energizing Economic Prosperity, supported by NCDMB and PCNG: Unveiling Climate Action Shortfilms, supported by GEF-SGP UNDP, showcasing community-led climate impact documentaries. Transforming Critical Minerals Value Addition, backed by UNECA, to highlight opportunities in value-added mineral production. Inclusive Innovation for Sustainable Growth, focusing on emerging technologies and cross-sector partnerships

Dr. Bamise Olanrewaju, NEF2025’s Strategy and Innovation Lead, confirmed that over 23 speakers and panellists will participate. These include Seye Bassir, Investment Director at All On; Ibironke Oluwabamise, National Coordinator of GEF-SGP UNDP; Prof. Omowunmi Sadik, Vice Provost at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, USA; Sandra Dozie, CEO of Salpha Energy; and Dr. Ibukun Odusote, Deputy Chair of Digital Peers International.

“With this 10th edition, NEF sets the tone for the next decade, lighting Africa’s path toward energy-led prosperity and deepening our role in the global transition,” Olanrewaju added.