Smart-grid solutions provider NOJA Power Australia is hosting a special working dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration between key stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector.
This invitation-only event, part of the Akinwunmi and Busari LP ‘Let There Be Light’ series, will bring together 60 influential decision-makers, including Minister of Power Bio Adelabu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun and other key figures from State Energy Commissions, electricity regulators, distribution companies and the investment community.
The working dialogue, to be held in Lagos on Tuesday, 27 January 2026 at 09:00 am, is designed as a strategic networking session rather than a traditional conference. It aims to foster high-level discussions focused on enhancing Nigeria's electricity distribution ecosystem in view of the Electricity Act 2023, which has introduced new opportunities and challenges to the sector.
As Nigeria's power sector moves towards decentralization, stakeholders will address key questions about how the state, regulators, distribution companies and financiers can effectively collaborate to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply.
The event aims to address issues such as regulatory overlap, jurisdictional uncertainties and investment risks that have emerged since the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023.
With the insights of NOJA Power's global expertise in electricity distribution automation, the dialogue seeks to foster practical cooperation between states, regulatory bodies and distribution companies, creating a platform for constructive dialogue and solution development.
The dialogue will include opening remarks from key government officials, including the Minister of Power, the Minister of Finance and the President's SA on Energy, Oulu Verheijen.
NOJA Power's keynote address will provide a global perspective on power distribution reform based on successful strategies from international markets to inform the discussion on adopting best practices in Nigeria's unique context.
The program will include two working sessions. The first session focuses on resolving regulatory overlap in the power market following Nigeria's Electricity Act 2023, examining practical models for state-distribution company co-existence.
Panelists include Biodun Ogunye, Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Johnson Jayula Alabi, Commissioner, Ondo State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Abdu Bello Mohammed. MD NISO, Abubakar Shuebu Jimeta, MD Kano Electricity Distribution PLC, Musiliu Olalekan Oseni, CE0 NERC and Moderator Chukubuike Nneto.
The second session will focus on the financial backbone of power reforms, discussing de-risking power infrastructure investments under the Electricity Act: the lender's perspective. The discussion brought together representatives from key sectors, including Abdulkadir Mohammed Dahiru, Head of Investment, Nigerian Pension Commission; Olufemi Ogunsende, Executive Director Investments, Ministry of Finance; Rotimi Akinde, Executive Director Corporate Finance, Bank of Industry (BOI); Demola Shogunle, Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers/Stanbic Pensions; Abba Abubakar Aliyu, Managing Director/CEO Rural Electricity Agency (REΑ) and Moderator Rolek Akinkugbe-Filani, reflect on the growing role of institutional capital in Nigeria's power sector.
The organizers emphasize that the closed-door nature of this dialogue is intended to facilitate open discussion and collective accountability among the participants.
“Successful electricity reform requires an integrated approach where regulation, investment and operations work together,” said one event participant.
“This dialogue is an important step towards aligning policy, regulatory practices and investment realities, ensuring that the reforms generate tangible benefits for businesses and communities across Nigeria.”
In addition to the discussions, the forum will showcase innovative distribution and infrastructure solutions currently being implemented at subnational levels, highlighting the growing role of states and private operators in delivering electricity.
The Working Dialogue on the Future of Electricity Distribution in Nigeria represents an important step towards building a more resilient and reliable electricity sector through continued collaboration between public institutions, private entities and investors.
