NLNG celebrates Nnaji at 70, honours decades of contributions to science, innovation

By Editor

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has honoured renowned engineer, former Minister of Power and founder of Geometric Power, Bart Nnaji, as he marked his 70th birthday, recognising his outstanding contributions to science, innovation and the growth of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation.

At a colloquium organised to commemorate the milestone, NLNG highlighted Professor Nnaji’s more than two decades of involvement in strengthening the governance, credibility and global profile of the prestigious science prize.

Speaking at the event, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, represented by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, described Professor Nnaji as one of the earliest champions of the initiative and a key figure in its evolution since its establishment in 2004.

“Professor Nnaji has been part of the Prize’s journey since its inception in 2004. Through his intellectual leadership, strategic counsel and sustained advocacy, he has helped shape its vision, strengthen stakeholder confidence and advance its role as a platform for scientific innovation and national development,” Horsfall said.

She noted that one of Professor Nnaji’s earliest public contributions came during the inaugural Grand Award Night in Abuja on October 9, 2004, when he delivered the keynote lecture titled “Leapfrogging Science and Technology in Nigeria.”

According to NLNG, the address reinforced the Prize’s founding objective of promoting science, technology and innovation as critical drivers of Nigeria’s socio-economic development while helping to raise awareness of the initiative among scientists, policymakers and the wider research community.

Professor Nnaji’s involvement expanded in 2013 when he participated in a strategic stakeholder review organised by NLNG to strengthen the governance and administration of the Prize.

His recommendations contributed to reforms that enhanced the transparency, credibility and operational effectiveness of the award, further boosting stakeholder confidence in the initiative.

In recognition of his sustained commitment, Professor Nnaji was appointed Chairman of the Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation in 2022.

Since assuming the role, he has continued to support the internationalisation of the Prize, leveraging his global academic reputation and professional network to deepen engagement with leading scientists, researchers and innovators across the world.

Falade said Professor Nnaji’s relationship with the Prize extends beyond his official responsibilities, describing him as an integral part of its institutional history.

“Professor Nnaji is part of the history of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation and a valued member of the NLNG family. As he marks this important milestone, we celebrate his distinguished record as a scientist, public servant and leader in Nigeria’s power industry. We wish him good health and many more years of impactful service to Nigeria and the wider society,” he said.

NLNG also acknowledged Professor Nnaji’s broader contributions to Nigeria’s development, particularly in engineering, academia, public service and the power sector, where he has championed reforms and investments aimed at improving electricity supply and industrial growth.

Established in 2004 and sponsored by NLNG, The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation recognises scientists and innovators whose research provides practical solutions to challenges of national significance. The annual competition is open to researchers and innovators from across the world and has become one of Africa’s most prestigious science awards.