The Executive Dialogue: The Future of Electricity Distribution in Nigeria

The Nigerian–Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) participated in The Executive Dialogue: The Future of Electricity Distribution in Nigeria, a high-level stakeholder engagement focused on power sector reforms, electricity distribution, energy investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure development in Nigeria.

Held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, the dialogue convened senior government officials, regulators, financiers, and industry leaders to examine practical strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s electricity distribution value chain and improving reliable power supply nationwide.

The event featured key contributions from public sector leaders and industry experts. The Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented at the dialogue, shared insights on ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, reliability, and service delivery across the electricity distribution sector. Hon. Biodun Ogunleye, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, emphasized the increasing role of sub-national governments in energy development, highlighting Lagos State’s initiatives to drive sustainable and decentralized power solutions.

From a financing and macroeconomic perspective, the Honourable Minister of Finance, Chief Adebayo Olawale Edun, represented by Mr. Temitope Akinremi, underscored the importance of sustainable financing structures, fiscal discipline, and private capital mobilization to support long-term growth in Nigeria’s power sector.

Industry insights were provided by Mr. Adewale Adereti, Chief Executive Officer of FIXONTIME Electric, who spoke on private sector participation and operational efficiency, while Mr. Glen Harris, General Sales Manager of NOJA Power, presented on modern electricity distribution technologies, grid automation, and smart network solutions. Legal and regulatory perspectives were shared by Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi, Partner at Akinwunmi & Busari Legal Practitioners, alongside Mr. Ayodele Gbeleyi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, who addressed governance, privatization outcomes, and regulatory alignment within the electricity distribution market.

The first panel session focused on regulatory reforms, system operations, grid stability, and state-level energy development. Panelists included Hon. Biodun Ogunleye, Hon. (Engr. Dr.) Johnson Jaiyeola Alabi, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Ondo State, Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed, Managing Director of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, Managing Director of Kano Electricity Distribution Plc, and Dr. Musiliu Olalekan, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Moderated by Mr. Chukwubuile Nnaeto, the discussion emphasized regulatory clarity, operational efficiency, and collaboration between federal and state institutions.

Further technical insights were delivered by Mr. Sadiq Abubakar, Deputy Managing Director of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, and Engr. Oyeleke Adeoye, Chief Executive Officer of Dynamic Power Construction Company Limited, represented by Engr. Bamidele Akintoye, with a focus on electricity infrastructure development, technical capacity, and network resilience.

The second panel session examined financing and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s power sector, highlighting the role of public–private partnerships, pension fund investments, and innovative financing models in expanding electricity access. Panelists included Mr. Abduqadir Mohammed of the National Pension Commission, Mr. Olufemi Ogunseinde of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Rotimi Akinde of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Demola Shogunle of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, and Dr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The session was moderated by Mrs. Rolake Akinlugbe-Filani, Chief Executive Officer of Energetic Advancer.

The Executive Dialogue reinforced the importance of coordinated policy reforms, sustainable financing, and strategic investments to transform Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector. NICCI’s participation reflects its continued commitment to promoting cross-border collaboration, attracting investment, and supporting sustainable growth within Nigeria’s power and energy ecosystem.