A youth energy summit scheduled for November 20 aims to build a 100 million-strong network through partnerships with industry leaders, government, local institutions and educational organisations.

The summit is part of the activities of the maiden Nigeria NOW! Global Investors Expo 2026, organised by EnergyNet with support from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the expo in Abuja on Thursday, Abdoulaye Sylla, EnergyNet Portfolio manager and head of corporate development, said the programme aims to foster youth participation through the summit.

Mr Sylla said the initiative was designed to create platforms for engaging young Nigerians in the country’s economic and energy development.

“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.

According to him, between 500 and 600 delegates from around the world are expected at the inaugural edition, and EnergyNet is committed to making the expo a long-term annual engagement in Nigeria.

Mr Sylla said Nigeria had not attracted foreign direct investment commensurate with its economic opportunities for the past 15 years, which the expo aimed to address. He said the expo was designed as a national platform to bring together international partners, development finance institutions, technology providers and project developers.

The initiative, he said, would focus on energy, mining, infrastructure and airports, while providing opportunities to examine specific projects and accelerate their delivery.

Damilola Balogun, ambassador of the Youth Energy Summit (YES!) Nigeria, said the summit would ensure young people became co-creators and stakeholders in sustainable development.

Mr 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. He said the summit would provide opportunities for young Nigerians to engage with partners and stakeholders involved in the Nigeria NOW! Investment programme.

Speaking while inaugurating the expo, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said it would provide a platform to connect credible projects with investors and encourage stronger public-private cooperation.

The minister said Nigeria was seeking to broaden its productive base, reduce dependence on a narrow range of revenue sources and create opportunities.

Mr Alake said the opportunities covered mining, power, manufacturing, infrastructure, oil and gas, trade and investment. He said the expo was timely and aligned with the government’s drive to position Nigeria as a globally competitive investment destination, particularly in the solid minerals sector.

According to him, the expo will enable investors to understand projects available across the country, investment policies and areas requiring partnerships.

He explained that the participation of ministries responsible for industry, trade and investment, power and petroleum resources was deliberate because the expo covered areas cutting across several mandates.

The state governments, he said, would also play an important role because mineral resources and investment projects were located within states and communities.

He urged the organisers to provide room for states to present projects, infrastructure needs and partnership opportunities, while helping them understand the responsibilities that came 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.

He pledged to support the planning of the event. He 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)