The National Energy AI Training Hub (NEAT-Hub) successfully concluded its three-day National Gap Analysis Workshop, held at the Ritz Continental Hotel, Abuja, from 27th to 29th January 2026. The workshop marked a major milestone in the project’s mission to strengthen technical capacity, institutional readiness, and AI-enabled infrastructure for Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

The workshop convened project partners, technical advisors, regulators, utilities, renewable energy stakeholders, and international development partners to review and validate the findings of comprehensive gap analysis surveys conducted across Nigeria’s electricity distribution and renewable energy ecosystem.

Presentation of Gap Analysis Findings and Technical Reviews

A central component of the workshop was the formal presentation of individual gap analysis reports by NEAT-Hub project partners and technical advisors. These presentations examined critical gaps across multiple dimensions, including:

• Engineering and technical workforce capacity in the renewable energy sector
• Utility readiness for AI-driven grid management and ATC loss mitigation
• Data availability and infrastructure for AI deployment
• Grid hosting capacity assessment capability
• Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) integration within the clean energy workforce

Each presentation was followed by peer review sessions, allowing participants to provide technical feedback, ask questions, and contribute expert perspectives. This collaborative review process ensured robust validation of findings and strengthened the foundation for the next phase of AI toolkit development and workforce training.

Technical Sessions and Strategic Panel Discussions

The workshop featured parallel technical sessions and a high-level panel discussion focused on institutional readiness, regulatory alignment, and the role of AI in accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

The distinguished panel included:

• Dr. Jonathan Okoronkwo – Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)
• Ibrahim Nasir –  Fund Manager, UK PACT Nigeria
• Yazid Yabo – Rural Electrification Agency (REA)

The panel discussion provided insights into regulatory and operational priorities to reinforce the strategic importance of NEAT-Hub in supporting Nigeria’s clean energy transition.

Strategic Engagement with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)

As part of the workshop activities, the NEAT-Hub project team paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), where they held strategic meetings with senior leadership, including:

• The Executive Vice Chairman
• Director of Economic Regulation
• Director of Technical Regulation
• Head of Research

These engagements provided an opportunity to present the NEAT-Hub initiative, discuss its alignment with national regulatory priorities, and explore pathways for institutional integration into Nigeria’s electricity sector.

Broad Multi-Institutional Participation

The workshop was attended by all NEAT-Hub project partners, including:

• Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)
• Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
• Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC)
• Maxtrends Energy Solutions
• Platform for Helping Women and Youths (PHWAY)

Technical Advisors in attendance included:

• Kaduna State University (KASU)
• Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO)
• Hians Energy Limited
• Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN)
• Renewable and Alternative Energy Society of Nigeria (RAESON)
• Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESON)

The workshop also benefited from active participation and support from key national and international stakeholders, including:

• UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)
• UK PACT Nigeria
• Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
• Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)
• Wayne Energy Consult (WEC)
• Steamaco

Looking Ahead

The Gap Analysis Workshop represents a major milestone in the NEAT-Hub project lifecycle. The insights generated from the workshop will guide the next phase of the project, including:

• Development and deployment of AI-based operational toolkits for utilities
• Establishment of the NEAT-Hub physical and virtual training infrastructure
• Delivery of specialized training programs for engineers and energy professionals
• Strengthening institutional readiness for renewable energy integration