Chijioke M. Okonkwo

Chijioke is an accomplished infrastructure planner and energy expert with a track record of managing large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly within the utility sector. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in driving energy, transport, and natural resource reforms in Nigeria and West Africa. Notably, he spearheaded efforts to institutionalize regulations that facilitate private sector participation in the Enugu State’s vital energy sector.

His career trajectory has spanned both international and national organizations, encompassing both the private and public sector. He began his journey with the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), where he served as Secretary of the Power Sector Reform Team and led the harmonization of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 (ESPR Act). He then joined the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as part of the establishment team, where he contributed significantly to the development of the Renewable Energy policy and rural electrification initiatives. His work also involved collaboration with international financial institutions to support NERC’s endeavours.

Chijioke’s skillset extends beyond the confines of the power sector. He was engaged by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as Technical Assistant to the Special Adviser to the President on Petroleum to support the reform of the oil and gas sector and pursue gas-to-power initiatives. Additionally, he consulted with the Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (NIAF), funded by UKAID and implemented by Adam Smith International (ASI). In this role, he played a key part in launching the electricity market by supporting the TCN Market Operator. He also developed a short-term action plan to meet the Ministry of Power’s 4500MW target, closely monitoring the completion and integration of NIPP generation, transmission, and distribution projects.

His skillset also extend to project management. He served as Project Manager at CPCS Transcom, overseeing the successful privatization of the PHCN Afam and NIPP 10 generation plants, along with 112 transmission and 296 distribution projects. These skills have also been leveraged by BPE and ICRC through various transaction advisory consultancies. These include scoping studies for the Kaduna State Malali Water IPP, the assessment of a West African gas pipeline for ECOWAS, and studies on the technical requirements for power asset integration across West African countries for WAPP. Further demonstrating his commitment to sector development, he supported the establishment and operationalization of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Authority (NEMSA).

Chijioke’s expertise extends to independent verification. He was engaged by the World Bank as an Independent Verification Consultant to verify Disbursement-Linked Indicators for the release of funds supporting the Power Sector Recovery Program. Additionally, he led the development of the regulatory framework and action plan for establishing IPPs at NPA Ports facilities and the 80MW Nova Scotia Solar Power Plant in Jigawa for CPCS Ventures Limited.

Chijioke has a Masters Degree in Energy and Environmental Management from Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland and Diplomas from SOAS, University of London and University of Abuja. He obtained his first degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Chijioke M. Okonkwo’s extensive experience and leadership in energy sector reform have made him a prominent figure in Nigeria and West Africa. His commitment to infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and private sector engagement continues to shape Nigeria’s energy landscape.