The 11th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2026) will bring together policymakers, investors, manufacturers, energy operators and innovators to explore ways of transforming Nigeria’s natural resources into industries, jobs and sustainable economic growth.

Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, Chairman of the forum, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Lagos.

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”.

Adeuyi said the forum was coming at a time when Nigeria and other African countries were seeking ways to create jobs, strengthen industries, increase exports and attract investment through local production.

“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,” he said.

He said NEF2026 would highlight opportunities across critical minerals, clean energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, circular economy solutions, industrial decarbonisation, agriculture, technology and sustainable finance.

The event will also feature the unveiling of a case study report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa on lithium in Nigeria, focusing on sustainable production, processing and value addition.

The Co-Chairman of the forum, Adekunle Makinde, described NEF2026 as a platform aimed at connecting ideas, investments and innovation to drive industrial development.

“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,” he said.

Makinde said more than 400 participants and 25 speakers were expected at the event, where discussions would focus on moving Nigeria away from exporting raw materials towards developing local processing and manufacturing capacity.

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

Dr Bamise Olanrewaju, NEF Strategy and Innovation Director, said Nigeria could use the global energy transition to develop competitive industries, strengthen critical minerals value chains and support sustainable economic growth.

She said the forum would feature speakers and panellists from the energy, mining, technology and climate sectors, including Engr. Abdu Bello, Managing Director of the Nigerian Independent System Operator; Adrian Clews, CEO of Hinckley Africa; and Engr. Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastral.

Others include Sascha Raabe, Head of the Global Alliance for Responsible and Green Minerals, UNIDO; Febisola Oyeniyi, General Manager, Enterprise Sales, MTN; Iyanuoluwa Shittu, Programme Officer, African Climate Foundation; and Emem Umoh, CEO of Women in Conservation.

Olanrewaju added that the finals and awards ceremony of the Tertiary Institutions Students Energy Pitch Contest would also hold during the forum.

She said the contest, powered for the fourth time by All On, an impact investment firm focused on improving energy access, would feature the top 10 finalists selected from 107 teams comprising 370 students from 36 universities and polytechnics across Nigeria.

The finalists will present their ideas and business models before industry experts, investors and development partners, with winners receiving grant prizes and national recognition.

Olanrewaju said NEF2026 was expected to generate partnerships, investment opportunities, technology collaborations and policy recommendations that could support Nigeria’s industrial development.

Registration for the forum is open to energy professionals, policymakers, industry leaders, investors, project developers and innovation exhibitors.