The 11th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF2026) is set to gather a powerful coalition of policymakers, manufacturers, investors, energy transition operators, entrepreneurs and innovators committed to transforming Nigeria’s vast resources into industries, jobs and sustainable prosperity.

The Chairman of the forum, Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, in a statement, said the annual conference, scheduled for June 30, 2026, at the Marcellina Conference Centre, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, will focus on the theme, “Upscaling Value Addition for Sustainable Industrialization.

“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.”

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.

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 said the 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”.

NEF Strategy and Innovation Director, Dr Bamise Olanrewaju, 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.

Olanrewaju added that the Tertiary Institutions Students Energy Pitch contest finals and awards would be held on the same day.

According to her, it is powered for the 4th time by All On, an impact investment firm. “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.”

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.