A youth energy summit scheduled for Nov. 20 seeks to build a 100 million-strong network through partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies, local institutions and educational organizations.
The summit is part of activities lined up for the maiden Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, organized by EnergyNet Ltd. with support from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. The expo is designed to attract investment and accelerate projects across energy, mining, infrastructure and other key sectors.
Speaking at the official inauguration of the expo in Abuja, Abdoulaye Sylla, EnergyNet Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development, said the Youth Energy Summit, YES!, would create opportunities for young Nigerians to engage with key stakeholders and advance their careers.
“It gives the leverage for young people to also come in and meet with the necessary set of stakeholders that can push their career advancement forward,” he said.
Sylla said between 500 and 600 delegates from around the world were expected at the inaugural expo, adding that EnergyNet was committed to making it an annual event in Nigeria.
He said Nigeria had not attracted foreign direct investment commensurate with its economic opportunities over the past 15 years, noting that the expo was designed to help address the gap.
According to him, the expo would serve as a national platform for bringing together international partners, development finance institutions, technology providers and project developers.
He said the initiative would focus on energy, mining, infrastructure and airports, while providing opportunities to examine specific projects and accelerate their implementation.
Also speaking, Damilola Balogun, Ambassador of YES! Nigeria, said the summit would ensure young people became co-creators and stakeholders in sustainable development.
Balogun said Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 required empowering young people with relevant skills and career opportunities.
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He said the summit would provide opportunities for young Nigerians to engage with partners and stakeholders involved in the Nigeria NOW! investment programme.
Inaugurating the expo, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, said it would provide a platform to connect credible projects with investors and promote stronger public-private cooperation.
The minister, represented by Obadiah Nkom, Director-General, Mining Cadastre Office, said Nigeria was seeking to broaden its productive base, reduce dependence on a narrow range of revenue sources and create new economic opportunities.
He said the opportunities covered mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment.
Alake described the expo as timely and said it aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to position Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
According to him, the expo would enable investors to understand projects available across the country, investment policies and areas requiring partnerships.
He said the participation of ministries responsible for industry, trade and investment, power, and petroleum resources was deliberate because the expo covered areas spanning several mandates.
The minister said state governments would also play an important role because mineral resources and investment projects were located within states and communities.
He urged the organizers to provide opportunities for states to present projects, infrastructure needs and partnership opportunities, while helping them understand the responsibilities associated with hosting major events.
“Strong coordination among the federal government, state governments, investors and host communities is necessary to avoid delays, reduce disputes and create benefits that are widely shared,” he said.
Alake pledged support for the planning of the event and assured investors that the Federal Government welcomed responsible investments capable of creating jobs, supporting local industries, transferring knowledge and technology, and contributing to national development.
NAN
