NEF 2026 focuses on Industrial Growth, value addition

The 11th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) will focus on Industrial growth and value addition as Nigeria intensifies efforts to diversify its economy, strengthen local industries, and unlock greater value from its natural resources.

Dr Daniel Adeuyi, the Chairman, NEF, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.

According to the chairman, this year’s NEF aims to move beyond discussions and drive actionable partnerships capable of accelerating Nigeria’s industrial transformation.

“The 11th NEF is set to convene leading voices across the energy, manufacturing, mining, finance, infrastructure and policy sectors in Lagos.

“It is scheduled for June 30, 2026, at the Marcellina Conference Centre, Along Radisson Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. “The highly anticipated Forum, Conference and Exhibitions will focus on the theme entitled: “Upscaling Value Addition for Sustainable Industrialisation”.

“For over a decade, NEF has served as one of the country’s leading multi-stakeholder platforms, mobilizing over US$70million investments for clean energy and industrial infrastructure, and bringing together over 8,000 participants globally.

“The participants comprise government officials, captains of industry, investors, development partners, researchers and entrepreneurs.

“This has made young professionals to engage on critical issues affecting Nigeria’s energy and industrial future,” he said.

Adeuyi said the 2026 edition would attract a strong lineup of decision-makers and stakeholders committed to exploring practical solutions for improving energy reliability, expanding domestic manufacturing capacity, strengthening mineral and creating sustainable jobs.

“More importantly, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa report on Lithium in Nigeria, which includes recommendation on innovative financing of homegrown critical mineral value add projects, will be officially unveiled by high-level executives, policymakers and investors at the 2026 edition.”

The Co-Chairman of the Forum, Mr Adekunle Makinde, said that “confirmed keynote speakers comprise executives from All On, GEF-SGP UNDP Nigeria, NISO, Hinckley Africa, UNIDO, MTN, Odu’a Investment Company Limited and Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office.

“Other key speakers and panellists include senior representatives of Kobold Metals, Greenage Technologies, NASENI, NCDMB, NRGI, Heifer International, African Climate Foundation, and NASCON Allied,” he said.

According to him, Nigeria possesses enormous opportunities to transform its economy through strategic value addition and industrial development.

“Nigeria cannot continue exporting raw materials while importing finished products at higher costs.

“The future of sustainable economic growth lies in local value addition, industrial processing, energy security, innovation, and strategic investments that create jobs and build competitive industries,” he said.

Makinde said the forum would feature keynote speeches, executive panel sessions, investment dialogues, technical presentations, innovation exhibition showcases, and high-level networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“With Nigeria facing increasing pressure to create jobs, stabilize industrial output, improve export earnings, and reduce dependence on imports, stakeholders say the Forum comes at a critical time for the nation’s economic future.