By Genesis ogiri
In a landmark celebration of excellence, integrity, and professional leadership, the Global Chartered Institute of Energy Management (GCIEM), Canada, has officially inaugurated its Pioneer Fellowship and Honours Cohort in Abuja. The historic ceremony signaled a major step in strengthening professional standards and governance in Nigeria’s energy sector.
The induction took place at the prestigious Carlton Swiss Hotel, Utako, bringing together policymakers, energy experts, regulators, and technical innovators. With the theme “Challenges of the Energy Sector in Nigeria’s Economy,” the event underscored the urgency of addressing long-standing inefficiencies, structural gaps, and the need for a new generation of energy leaders.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chinedu Ogwus, a globally recognized energy strategist with 25 years of experience at TotalEnergies, dissected the systemic challenges in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. He highlighted the decades-long policy inconsistencies, regulatory bottlenecks, and institutional weaknesses that have hindered sectoral growth while advocating for data-driven reforms and strategic governance.
Speaking with reporters, Prof. Stephen Lazi, Africa President of GCIEM, lauded the Pioneer Fellows, describing them as the first cohort of global policy influencers with the knowledge and authority to contribute decisively to energy governance in Nigeria and across the continent. “These pioneers now have the leverage to shape policy, drive reforms, and set the benchmark for professional excellence,” he said confidently.
Prof. Lazi lamented the decades-long deterioration of Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, noting that the sector has endured persistent structural decline over several decades. He explained that his decision to serve as the Institute’s Africa Focal Point was motivated by a vision to reposition Nigeria’s energy architecture for global competitiveness. “With GCIEM now fully established in Nigeria, we anticipate transformative improvements that will elevate the sector to enviable heights,” he affirmed, underscoring the Institute’s commitment to driving sustainable reforms.
He further announced that the induction will be extended to South Africa in 2026, with additional African countries to follow. Prof. Lazi described the initiative as a continental movement to cultivate young energy professionals who will eventually occupy positions as commissioners, regulators, and sector leaders.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s reform journey, Prof. Lazi credited former President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), calling it a critical legislative intervention for regulatory reform. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the strategic removal of fuel subsidy, noting that the policy—advocated since 2010—is gradually yielding positive outcomes for national economic stability.
A total of twelve (12) Pioneer Apostle Members were inducted, forming the foundational leadership cadre of GCIEM in Nigeria. These pioneers are tasked with promoting professional standards, driving innovation, and advancing energy governance reforms across the nation and the continent.
Prof. Stephen Lazi charged the awardees to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical leadership, highlighting that their role extends beyond individual achievement. He emphasized that as Pioneer Fellows, they are now custodians of best practices, responsible for influencing policy, fostering transparency, and driving institutional reforms within Nigeria’s energy sector. According to him, their ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to integrity would serve as a model for emerging professionals, inspire confidence among stakeholders, and reinforce public trust in the governance of the nation’s critical energy resources. He further noted that upholding these standards is essential not only for personal excellence but also for the sustainable growth, innovation, and global competitiveness of Africa’s energy landscape.
A central pillar of the ceremony was the emphasis on integrity as the moral compass of professional service. GCIEM leadership stressed that the Pioneer Fellows must uphold the highest ethical standards, maintain transparency in decision-making, and ensure accountability in all facets of energy management. Integrity, they emphasized, is the cornerstone of rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s energy sector.
The event attracted senior stakeholders from across government, academia, and industry, fostering dialogue on energy diversification, regulatory optimization, and strategic human capital development. Participants reiterated the need for multi-sector collaboration to restore efficiency and competitiveness to Nigeria’s energy landscape.
In conclusion, the induction of the Pioneer Fellows signaled more than ceremonial recognition—it marked the dawn of a new era of energy leadership in Africa, driven by pioneers committed to professionalism, integrity, and transformative impact. GCIEM’s inaugural induction in Nigeria establishes a new benchmark for excellence and positions the country as a leader in professional energy management across the continent.