The 2025 Bullion Lecture, a prestigious platform for discourse on critical national and international issues, is set to address the crucial role of the energy sector in Nigeria’s ambitious economic aspirations. Under the theme “Architecting the Energy Sector for Nigeria’s $1-Trillion Economy Vision,” the lecture aims to explore strategies and solutions for optimizing Nigeria’s energy resources to fuel its economic growth and achieve its ambitious $1 trillion economy target. The event, scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025, at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will be chaired by Tolulope Longe, the National President of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas, a testament to the growing recognition of women’s leadership in the energy sector. Longe’s impressive academic credentials, including a First-Class degree in Chemistry from the University of Ibadan and postgraduate degrees from Imperial College London, position her as a highly qualified individual to lead the discussion on this vital topic.
Professor Barth Nnaji, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Geometric Power Limited, a renowned expert in the energy sector, has been selected as the keynote speaker for the lecture. Professor Nnaji’s extensive experience and expertise in the energy industry will provide invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s energy sector and propose actionable strategies for driving its transformation. His presentation will delve into the intricate connections between a robust energy sector and sustainable economic growth, providing a roadmap for how Nigeria can leverage its energy resources to achieve its economic goals. The choice of Professor Nnaji underscores the importance of expert perspectives in shaping policy discussions and driving meaningful change in the energy landscape.
A distinguished panel of experts will further enrich the discourse by dissecting Professor Nnaji’s presentation and offering their unique perspectives on the subject. The panel includes 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. Their collective experience and expertise in energy, business, and policy will provide a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the Nigerian energy sector. Their contributions will ensure a robust and insightful discussion, exploring diverse perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in achieving Nigeria’s ambitious economic targets. The panel discussion promises to be a lively and engaging exchange of ideas, offering valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders.
The event will be graced by the presence of Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, as the Special Guest of Honour, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing the energy sector’s challenges and fostering its growth. His presence underscores the government’s recognition of the Bullion Lecture as a crucial platform for discussing and shaping policy related to the energy sector. The Minister’s involvement signifies a collaborative approach between the public and private sectors in tackling the complex issues facing the energy industry and working towards a common goal of achieving sustainable economic growth powered by a robust and efficient energy sector.
The Bullion Lecture, organized by the Centre for Financial Journalism, led by Dr Ray Echebiri, its Founder and Chief Executive Officer, serves as a vital platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders in the Nigerian economy. Dr Echebiri’s vision in establishing the Centre for Financial Journalism and conceptualizing The Bullion Lecture has been instrumental in creating a platform for informed discussions on critical national issues. By bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, The Bullion Lecture plays a vital role in shaping policy discussions and promoting informed decision-making.
The 2025 edition promises to be a highly impactful event, attracting a diverse audience of influential figures from various sectors, including government officials, captains of industry, banking and finance executives, maritime executives, lawyers, ICT professionals, energy sector executives, members of the academic community, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of multilateral institutions, media practitioners, and members of the public. This diverse audience reflects the widespread interest in the topic and the recognized importance of the energy sector in driving Nigeria’s economic progress. The lecture provides a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration among key stakeholders, fostering partnerships and driving collective action towards achieving Nigeria’s economic aspirations. The inclusive nature of the event ensures a broad range of perspectives are represented, enriching the discussion and fostering a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Nigerian energy sector.
