UGO AMADI
Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Power, H.E. Joseph Tegbe, outlined a three-phase roadmap to stabilise, scale and transform the country’s electricity sector during the opening day of Nigeria Energy 2026 at Landmark Centre, Lagos.
Opening its 13th edition, Nigeria Energy brought together government officials, industry leaders, manufacturers and energy professionals to address the challenges affecting electricity reliability, investment and power delivery across Nigeria.
Speaking at the Leadership Summit, Tegbe outlined the Federal Government’s plan to stabilise the sector through February 2027, scale electricity infrastructure and capacity from March 2027 through 2028, and begin a longer-term transformation phase in 2028.
He also identified three priority energy corridors (Lagos–Ogun, Benin–Enugu–Port Harcourt and Abuja–Kano–Kaduna) as areas where coordinated government and private-sector action could help meet growing electricity demand.
“Grid stability provides the operational foundation. Investment supplies the resources for renewal and expansion, and energy security ensures that dependable electricity can sustain economic and social activities,” Tegbe said.
The announcement formed part of Day One’s Leadership Summit, held under the theme Strengthening the Power System: Policy Direction, State Action and Operational Progress. Discussions examined how Nigeria can turn electricity reforms into measurable improvements, reduce grid losses, strengthen state electricity markets and attract investment.
A strategic debate also questioned whether Nigeria’s current electricity-market structure is ready to support 10,000 MW, examining the investment, grid capacity and market reforms needed to accommodate greater generation.
Turning industry discussions into projects
In his opening remarks, Ade Yesufu, Exhibition Director – Energy Portfolio at inD, emphasised Nigeria Energy’s role in bringing government, industry and investors together to support progress beyond the event.
“Our goal has always been to bring the right people, ideas, investments and skills together. What happens next is in your hands. It is my sincere hope that the conversations begun here today will continue long after the summit closes and grow into projects and partnerships that bring more power to Nigerians,” Yesufu said.
Representing the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, highlighted the importance of cooperation between federal and state governments, regulators and private businesses.
“When electricity is reliable, businesses become more productive, industries expand, jobs are created, and households enjoy a better quality of life,” Ogunleye said.
Connecting buyers, suppliers and technical expertise
Beyond the Leadership Summit, Nigeria Energy 2026 brings together more than 200 exhibitors, with 8,500+ energy professionals and 120+ speakers featured in the event’s participation targets.
The exhibition connects visitors with manufacturers and suppliers across power generation, transmission and distribution, renewable energy, backup power and energy storage.
Exhibitors including Sun King, Allied Talent Partners and Eauxwell are participating, giving visitors opportunities to explore solar technologies, discuss workforce requirements and connect with businesses supporting the energy sector.
The Technical Excellence Forum also opened on Day One, with sessions examining how artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital technologies can help improve the reliability and performance of energy infrastructure.
What’s next at Nigeria Energy 2026
The event continues on 28 and 29 October with discussions on attracting international investment, industrial electricity costs, climate finance, gas-to-power reliability and the growing energy demands of digital infrastructure.
Upcoming highlights include Powered by Her, bringing women in energy leadership together to share their experiences, and the Innovation Challenge Finale, where five Nigerian companies are scheduled to present their ideas to industry judges.
Nigeria Energy 2026 runs until Thursday, 29 October, at Landmark Centre, Lagos.
