Written by Lamido Bolchang
Lamido Bolchang, a former Wisdom Council member and Summit Host from Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, attended the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2026) from February 2–5, 2026, after receiving a Leadership Grant from the Planeteer Alliance.
Held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Center in Abuja, the four-day summit convened global stakeholders, policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to explore Africa’s evolving energy landscape under the theme “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing our Shared Future.” The event featured dynamic sessions, panels, exhibitions, and workshops offering participants valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the continent’s energy future.
Read Lamido’s reflection on the experience below!
2025 Wisdom Council member Lamido Bolchang poses in front of a welcome sign at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, Nigeria.
Making Connections at NIES
As a representative of the Captain Planet Foundation and the Planeteer Alliance, a global community of passionate young people driving climate action, I had the opportunity to speak with several stakeholders in the energy sector. One such insightful conversation was with representatives from Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) at the exhibition pavilion on empowering Nigerian youths for a sustainable energy future. They shared initiatives like scholarships, research grants, and skills development programs aimed at equipping students with industry-relevant skills. Mr. Agboola Olayinka (General Manager, Research and Innovation, PTDF) noted, “We need to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the energy sector.”
This conversation highlighted PTDF’s commitment to driving education and innovation, and I plan to leverage this insight to explore collaboration opportunities that may lead to skills development programs, internships and research partnerships.
Leaders in Nigeria’s sustainable energy industries attend the NIES 2026.
Energy In The Ground and In The Youth
“Energy must unite communities, stabilize economies, and secure futures,” declared President Bola Tinubu in his keynote address. “It must power factories, illuminate homes, fuel innovation, and build trust between government, investors, and citizens.”
The event highlighted Africa’s vast energy potential and the need for strategic partnerships, innovation, and investment to unlock this potential. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized, “The real value of our gas resources is not in reserves alone, but in megawatts delivered to homes and industries, jobs created, foreign exchange earned, and peace enabled through access to clean and reliable energy.”
Since 2021, Nigeria has been a leader in transitioning its energy economy to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Known as a “transition gas,” Nigeria sees CNG as essential to becoming less reliant on imported oil and diesel as they chart a pathway toward a net-zero economy. CNG is cheaper, has lower greenhouse gas emissions, and is a natural resource in Nigeria.
Stakeholders at NIES 2026 also stressed the importance of human capital development, with a focus on skills development and youth engagement. I was able to attend a session titled “Youth, Skills & Leadership for Africa’s 2050 Energy Goals,” which focused on developing the skills and leadership needed for Africa’s energy future, highlighting the importance of industry-driven training and youth development.
“I had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, exploring ways to drive sustainable energy development.” – Lamido Bolchang
“Sustained investment in human capital and skills development is critical to the survival and growth of Nigeria’s broader energy sector,” noted one panelist at the session.
The exhibition pavilion provided a platform for companies to showcase innovative solutions, and I had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders to explore ways to drive sustainable energy development.
Broadened Perspectives
“The experience was impactful for my growth and journey in this sector as it helped me develop a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between energy, economics, and society.” – Lamido Bolchang
As we envision an Africa where energy serves as the foundation for prosperity, industrialization, and improved quality of life, the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 reaffirmed the need for collaboration, innovation, and commitment to securing a brighter future for all Africans.
Attending the Nigeria International Energy Summit 2026 was a transformative experience that broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the energy sector. It provided a platform to gain insights into the latest trends and challenges. The experience was impactful for my growth and journey in this sector as it helped me develop a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between energy, economics, and society. I’ll apply the knowledge gained to drive sustainable energy solutions and contribute to Africa’s energy future.
The event underscored that energy is not just a resource, but a catalyst for peace, prosperity, and shared progress. Energy has the ability to unite communities, stabilize economies, and secure futures. It fosters economic growth, improves living standards, promotes peace and stability, and drives innovation. Access to reliable and clean energy can reduce poverty, create jobs, and bridge divides– ultimately leading to a more prosperous and peaceful society.
As Africa navigates its energy transition, NIES 2026 has set the stage for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy future.
Each year, the Planeteer Alliance invests in the growth and visibility of its community by funding opportunities for emerging leaders to represent the organization at influential global conferences and convenings. Through these leadership development experiences, young leaders gain invaluable exposure to high-level policy discussions, industry innovation, and cross-sector collaboration, while sharpening essential skills in advocacy, public speaking, strategic networking, and systems thinking.
Beyond professional development, these opportunities empower participants to serve as ambassadors for their communities—amplifying youth perspectives, building meaningful partnerships, and bringing back knowledge and inspiration that strengthens local impact. By intentionally creating pathways to global platforms, the Planeteer Alliance not only supports individual growth but also cultivates a new generation of leaders equipped to drive sustainable change at both local and international levels.