NEF2026 To Drive Industrial Growth Through Value Addition
The Chairman of the Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2026), Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, has said that the 11th edition of NEF2026 will gather policymakers, manufacturers, investors, energy transition operators, entrepreneurs and innovators committed to transforming Nigeria’s vast resources into industries, jobs and sustainable prosperity.
Adeuyi, in a statement, said the annual conference, scheduled for Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Marcellina Conference Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, will focus on the theme, “Upscaling Value Addition for Sustainable Industrialisation.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Adeuyi noted that the Forum would spotlight opportunities worth billions of dollars across critical minerals, clean energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, circular economy solutions, industrial decarbonization, agriculture, technology and sustainable finance.
”NEF2026 will 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,” he added.
The Co-Chairman of the Forum, Mr Adekunle Makinde, said “NEF2026 is a platform for action.
“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.
“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,” Makinde said.
He said that over 400 participants are expected and 25 key speakers had confirmed participation, and the discussions would focus on how Nigeria can move beyond exporting raw materials and instead develop local capacity for processing, manufacturing and industrial value addition.
Makinde also confirmed that keynote speakers include 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.
“Others are Mfikeyi Makayi, Chief Executive Officer (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 event.”
Dr Bamise Olanrewaju, NEF Strategy and Innovation Director, said Nigeria had 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 confirmed key speakers and panellists at NEF include Engr. Abdu Bello, MD/CEO, Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO); Adrian Clews, CEO, Hinckley Africa; Engr. Obadiah Nkom, DG, Nigeria Mining Cadastral.
“Others are 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 said.
Olanrewaju added that, “The Tertiary Institutions Students Energy Pitch contest, finals, and awards would also be held on the same day.
According to her, it is powered for the 4th time by All On, an impact investment firm focused on creating access to energy, as part of its activities to commemorate its 10th anniversary.
“Top 10 Finalists out of 107 teams, 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.
“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.
She noted that registration for NEF2026 is open to all cross-sector actors, energy professionals, policy shapers, industry captains, investment managers, project developers and innovation exhibitors.
