By Esther Onyegbula 

 The 11th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2026) will convene policymakers, manufacturers, investors, energy transition operators, entrepreneurs and innovators to explore pathways for transforming Nigeria’s natural resources into value-added products capable of driving industrial growth, job creation and sustainable economic development.

Chairman of the Forum, Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Lagos, ahead of the annual conference scheduled for June 30, 2026, at the Marcellina Conference Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

The forum, themed “Upscaling Value Addition for Sustainable Industrialization,” is expected to serve as a platform for discussions on strengthening Nigeria’s industrial base through local processing, manufacturing and innovation.

According to Adeuyi, the event comes at a critical period for Nigeria and other African countries seeking to boost exports, attract investments and build globally competitive economies.

“NEF2026 comes at a defining moment for Nigeria and Africa as countries seek to create jobs, strengthen industries, boost exports, attract investment and build globally competitive economies,” he said.

He stressed that industrialisation had become imperative for economic prosperity.

“Industrialisation is no longer optional.

“The nations that will prosper in the coming decades are those that can convert their natural resources, innovation and human capital into value-added products, thriving industries and sustainable prosperity.

“NEF2026 will bring together the people, ideas and partnerships needed to make this happen,” Adeuyi stated.

He noted that the forum would highlight investment opportunities running into billions of dollars across critical minerals, clean energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, circular economy solutions, industrial decarbonization, agriculture, technology and sustainable finance.

Adeuyi further disclosed that the event would feature the official unveiling of a case study report published by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa on “Lithium in Nigeria: Enhancing Sustainable Production, Processing and Value Addition.”

Also speaking, the Co-Chairman of the Forum, Mr. Adekunle Makinde, described NEF2026 as a platform designed to drive practical outcomes and partnerships.

“Whether you are an investor seeking opportunities, a manufacturer looking to scale, a policymaker shaping the future, an energy utility deploying new technologies, or a young entrepreneur with a bold idea, NEF2026 offers a unique opportunity to connect, collaborate and create impact,” Makinde said.

He explained that the forum was structured to encourage collaboration among policymakers, investors, manufacturers, technology providers, researchers and development partners.

“The forum is designed to foster collaboration among policymakers, investors, manufacturers, technology providers, researchers and development partners.

“It offers a unique opportunity to connect ideas with investment, innovation with industry and policy with implementation,” he added.

Makinde disclosed that more than 400 participants are expected at the conference, while 25 key speakers have already confirmed participation.

According to him, discussions will centre on how Nigeria can move beyond exporting raw materials to developing local capacity for processing, manufacturing and industrial value addition.

He identified keynote speakers as Caroline Emboubou, CEO, All On; Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board; Abdulrahman Yinusa, Group Managing Director, Odu’a Investment Company Ltd; Mfikeyi Makayi, CEO Africa, KoBold Metals; Ibironke Olubamise, National Coordinator, GEF-SGP UNDP Nigeria; Abba Aliyu, MD/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency (REA); and Dr Lanre Babalola, Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Power and Energy.

Speaking on the significance of the forum, Dr Bamise Olanrewaju, NEF Strategy and Innovation Director, said Nigeria has a unique opportunity to leverage the global energy transition to build competitive industries and strengthen critical minerals value chains.

“Nigeria has a unique opportunity to leverage the global energy transition to develop competitive industries, strengthen critical minerals value chains and accelerate sustainable economic growth,” she said.

Olanrewaju also listed confirmed speakers and panellists to include Engr. Abdu Bello, MD/CEO, Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO); Adrian Clews, CEO, Hinckley Africa; Engr. Obadiah Nkom, DG, Nigeria Mining Cadastral; Sascha Raabe, Head, Global Alliance for Responsible and Green Minerals, UNIDO; Febisola Oyeniyi, GM Enterprise Sales, MTN; Iyanuoluwa Shittu, Programme Officer, African Climate Foundation; and Emem Umoh, CEO, Women in Conservation (WINCO).

She further announced that the finals and award ceremony of the Tertiary Institutions Students Energy Pitch Contest would be held during the event.

According to her, the competition is being powered for the fourth consecutive year by All On as part of activities marking the organisation’s 10th anniversary.

“Top 10 Finalists out of 107 team, comprising 370 students from 36 universities and polytechnics across the country will showcase innovative technologies and business models before a panel of industry experts, investors and development partners and stand to win the coveted grant prizes and national recognition,” Olanrewaju said.

She expressed optimism that the forum would stimulate strategic partnerships and investments capable of reshaping Nigeria’s industrial future.

“As Nigeria positions itself to become a major player in the global energy transition and industrial economy, NEF2026 is expected to generate new partnerships, investment commitments, technology collaborations and policy recommendations capable of shaping the country’s industrial landscape for years to come,” she added.

Olanrewaju noted that registration remains open to cross-sector stakeholders, including energy professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, investment managers, project developers and innovation exhibitors.