Former minister of power Professor Barth Nnaji has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2025 edition of The Bullion Lecture, scheduled to hold on Thursday, April 10 at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed Architecting the Energy Sector for Nigeria’s $1-Trillion Economy Vision, the lecture will address critical issues in the nation’s energy sector and its role in economic transformation.
Nnaji, a renowned energy expert and founder of Geometric Power Limited—Nigeria’s first private power company—is a recipient of three national honours: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM). He played a pivotal role in the power sector reforms, including the unbundling of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) and privatisation of the industry during his tenure as minister of power (2011-2012).
A distinguished academic, Nnaji served as a professor of mechanical and industrial engineering at the University of Massachusetts, USA (1983-1996) and later held esteemed positions at the University of Pittsburgh, USA (1996-2007). His contributions to research and development have earned him global recognition, including the Baker Distinguished Research Award and the World Bank/International Monetary Fund Africa Group’s Distinguished Scientist Award.
The Bullion Lecture, an initiative of the Centre for Financial Journalism, serves as a platform for high-level discourse on national and international issues.
According to Dr. Ray Echebiri, founder/CEO of the Centre for Financial Journalism, this ninth edition of the lecture will feature key dignitaries, including minister of power Adebayo Adelabu as the special guest of honour. The event will be chaired by Tolulope Longe, National President of Women in Energy Oil and Gas (WEOG).
Panelists expected to provide insights into Nnaji’s presentation include Sir Victor Okoronkwo, group managing director of Aiteo E&P, and Dr. Ogho Okiti, CEO of ThinkBusiness Africa and Convener of the Africa Business Convention.
The event is expected to attract a diverse audience, including government officials, industry leaders, financial executives, energy sector experts, members of the diplomatic corps, academics, and media practitioners.
