Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi is the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 24, 2023. A seasoned energy expert and policy strategist, Dr. Abdullahi combines academic excellence with hands-on experience in energy systems, regulation, and innovation, making him a key figure in shaping Nigeria’s energy future.
He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Manchester, where he also served as a Research Associate and Teaching Assistant in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Civil Engineering. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and a member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE), underscoring his commitment to professional excellence and technical innovation.
From 2021 to 2023, he undertook a prestigious Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Manchester, UK, during which his work was recognized and supported by the Industry Collaboration Fund further highlighting his dedication to advancing knowledge through industry-academia collaboration.
Dr. Abdullahi has over 14 years of experience in Nigeria’s energy sector, spanning the oil and gas industry (formerly the Department of Petroleum Resources, now NUPRC) and space propulsion systems. Before his appointment as Director-General of ECN, he served as Senior Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, where he played a pivotal role in shaping national policies that drive innovation, renewable energy adoption, and scientific advancement.
On the global stage, Dr. Abdullahi has represented Nigeria at major international platforms, including the G20, G8, UNGA and the United Nations Climate Change Conferences (COP28 and COP29). At these high-level engagements, he has served as one of Nigeria’s focal persons on energy, actively participating in negotiations and policy dialogues with global leaders, ministers, and technical experts. His interventions focus on advancing Africa’s priorities in clean energy transition, financing for renewable energy, climate resilience, and equitable access to sustainable technologies. Through these platforms, he contributes to shaping decisions that not only guide Nigeria’s energy policies but also influence broader continental strategies for Africa’s energy transition and sustainable development.
A multi-disciplinary leader, Dr. Abdullahi applies a systems-thinking approach to Nigeria’s energy challenges, drawing from his diverse expertise in engineering, space research, and policy. His leadership at ECN emphasizes collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and a strong commitment to energy transition and security. He is focused on delivering sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven energy solutions that support national development goals while aligning with international climate commitments.
Dr. is widely respected for his integrity, strategic vision, and passion for sustainable development, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi is recognized as a transformative leader steering Nigeria’s energy transition journey.
