Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, DG Energy Commission of Nigeria; A Trail Blazer With A Midas Touch.

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, DG Energy Commission of Nigeria; A Trail Blazer With A Midas Touch.

In the appointment of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi as the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), stakeholders roundly commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the choice of this astute and result oriented energy expert and policy strategist, a visionary administrator.

The saying that a golden fish has no hiding place aptly qualifies Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi's appointment by His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  GCFR , who was able to spot the energy poster boy, and  placed him strategically where competence meets passion.

Indeed, the appointment of Dr. Abdullahi as the Director General of Energy Commission qualifies the saying of putting a round peg in a round hole. 

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi who combines academic distinction with hands-on experience in energy systems, regulation, and innovation, has variously been described by stakeholders as a key figure in shaping Nigeria's energy future, scoring a vital point in the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, which clearly aims to resuscitate and reinvigorate the country's energy sector.

As an avid scholar who holds a master’s and a doctorate in Engineering from the prestigious University of Manchester who has also served as a Research Associate and Teaching Assistant in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering in same institution, Dr. Abdullahi’s penchant for excellence is distinctive and highly commendable.

As a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE), Dr. Abdullahi has distinguished himself in ways so uncommon and achievements quite alluring.

His commitment to professional excellence and technical innovation underscores his capacity and capabilities in delivering on the mandate of the Energy Sector and the Commission generally. 

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Manchester, United kingdom, from 2021 to 2023, Dr. Abdullahi conducted an impactful research entitled "Assessment of the Structural Integrity," contributing valuable insights to the field. His work was recognized and supported by the Industry Collaboration Fund, United kingdom, highlighting his commitment to advancing knowledge through industry-academia collaboration.

Dr. Abdullahi has over 14 years of experience in Nigeria's energy sector, particularly within the oil and gas industry and is known to have spent a significant part of his career at the Department of Petroleum Resources (now the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission -NUPRC), contributing to regulatory policy, energy systems management, and sustainability initiatives.

His technical competence is further complemented by his role at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), where he engaged in research and development at the intersection of space and energy technology.

Before being appointed as Director-General of ECN, Dr. Abdullahi served as the Senior Technical Adviser to the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. In that capacity, he was instrumental in shaping national policies that promoted innovation, renewable energy adoption, and scientific advancement.

His advisory role provided strategic direction for programmes aimed at building Nigeria's technological capacity in line with global sustainability trends.

He is widely reputed to be a multi-disciplinary leader, with a systems-thinking approach to Nigeria's energy challenges, integrating insights from engineering, space research, and policy.

Since assuming office as Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN in 2023, keen observers say his leadership at the Commission is anchored in collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and a strong commitment to energy transition and security.

Dr. Abdullahi is focused on delivering sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven energy solutions that support national development goals and align with international climate commitments.

Asides from his professional and academic accomplishments, he is also active in the politics of his country, Nigeria. He is a founding member and co-convener of The Asiwaju Group (TAG), one of the leading support groups for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also having served as Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress United Kingdom (APC UK) chapter, he is also an Executive Member of the APC UK since February 2014.

As a committed and loyal party chieftain, Abdullahi's political engagements include membership in the APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) 2023, the APC PCC Nigeria Strategic Communication Committee (2019), and the APC National Convention Sub-Committee (2022).

He is widely respected for his integrity, strategic vision, and passion for sustainable development. His dynamic experience across sectors positions him as a transformative leader at the helm of Nigeria's energy transition journey. 

A peek into his two years stint as the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria ECN reveals amazing  achievements  such as:

* Implementation of the Renewed Hope Solarization Project for the provision of 2 MW of a solar hybrid system in 37 universities and 37 tertiary hospitals across the 36 states and Abuja.

(2025)

Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Energy Engineering Corporation to boost renewable energy and address Nigeria's energy challenges by establishing State Energy Planning Implementation Units in all the 36 states in Nigeria.

 

(2025)

Signed an agreement with LONGI a China solar module manufacturer to establish a manufacturing plant of their new solar panel technology in Nigeria.

(2025)

Launched the Compendium on Industrial Energy Efficiency Policies with the collaboration of UNIDO and GEF.

(2025)

Commissioned a Hybrid 5 kilowatts solar-powered Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station.

(2025)

Promotion of clean cooking and obtaining a Patent for developing a Hexagonal Type Domestic Charcoal Stove for improved thermal efficiency.

(2025)

Signed an MOU with a Chinese company to establish a Lithium battery production plant in Nigeria. 

(2024)

Launched the newly gazette National Energy Policy (NEP)and National Energy Master Plan (NEMP) by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

(2024)

Establishment of a 10MW Solar PV Module Production Assembly Plant at Enugu Research Centre. 

(2024)

Development of Pyrolysis Machine for Hydrogen Generation at Bauchi Research Centre.

(2024)

Establishment of a Pilot Bioethanol Plant with Fractional Distillation Unit at Benin Research Centre. 

(2024)

Development of Pilot Integrated Modular Refinery at Bauchi Research Centre.

 (2024)

The Energy Commission of Nigeria in collaboration with the FMIST on Implementation of the National Policy on Methanol Fuel Production from Gas.

(2024)

Launch of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme, United for Efficiency initiative, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria.

(2024)

Launched a Computerized National Energy Information System website in Collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission.

(2024)

Establishment of a Pilot Green Hydrogen Plant as a policy target of domestication and localization of Green Energy in the country.

(2024)

Establishment of Barefoot Renewable Energy College in Kogi State.

(2024)

The Energy Commission of Nigeria's participation as the National Focal point at the Brazil G202024 Energy Transitions Working Group Meetings to negotiate and endorse Principles for Just and Inclusive Energy Transitions.

(2024)

Launched the implementation of the project titled 'Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Obsolete Refrigerators and Air Conditioners Equipment (AGORA) in Nigeria with the

collaboration of UNDP and UNEP.

(2024)

The Nigeria Energy and Emission Pathway Calculator 2050 (NECAL 2050)(2024) Comprehensive Energy Audit for the University of Lagos, Akoka carried out by National Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation.

 

(2024)

Designed, Constructed and Installed Two (2) 5kW Wind Turbines located at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS), Sokoto State.

(2023)

Design and development of the 24-CUP Pelton Wheel Single-Jet Small Hydropower Turbine System and the Split Cup Pelton Wheel Two-Jet Small Hydropower Turbine System by NACHRED, University of llorin)

(2023)

Design, Construction and Testing energy-efficient biomass Cookstoves by National Centre for Energy Research and Development, University of  Nigeria, Nsukka.

(2023)

Development of Small, Medium and Commercial scale Solar Powered Chicken Brooding systems.

These achievements of Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi have been variously described as the footprints of a man of greatness, vision and exemplary leadership, deserving of commendation.

 

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