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Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation and Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea

September 25, 2025

High-Level Roundtable on Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation & Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), New York, USA

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What the event is about

Given current dynamics and the central role of global energy, oil and gas prices, solid minerals, logistics, maritime and aviation transportation architecture in various international jurisdictions, bolstered by deepening business interests in blue economy and blue diplomacy, it is apposite that the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) is focusing on the theme: “Building our Future Together.”

In this context, The New Diplomat in collaboration with the Gulf of Guinea Commission, GGC in Angola – convened this strategic forum. It aims to galvanize attention toward unlocking over $800bn in hydro-carbons, minerals, aviation and maritime opportunities across the Gulf of Guinea for the private-public sector, and leverage a projected $3 trillion African Coastal economy. It provides a rare platform for public-private sector engagement, strategic cooperation, sustainable economic development, investment, knowledge exchange, and strengthening of cooperation frameworks across sectors.

How will you benefit?

Expected key outcomes of the High-level Roundtable include strengthened economic development efforts, enhanced investors confidence through clearer governance frameworks as well as expanded networks for B2B, G2G, and P2P cooperation in maritime, oil and gas, energy, aviation and infrastructure development.

In addition, unlocking funding/investment opportunities for both public and private sector players in the region and facilitation of the creation of the Gulf of Guinea Business Council (GGBC) as a strategic regional business network, and nexus for private-public sector engagement in the GoG, are expected to be major outcomes of the important forum.

Other projected outcomes include mobilization of investments in maritime, oil & gas, and minerals projects in the GoG region; showcasing of public-private collaboration models aligned with AfCFTA, Agenda 2063, and SDG 14 (Life Below Water); driving technical partnerships around logistics, aviation, mineral, energy, oil and gas, and maritime capabilities. (Please download Program Brochure)

Who Are Those to Be There?

Aligned with the overarching UNGA 80 theme, “Building Our Future Together,” the Roundtable will bring together global leaders from international organizations, regional institutions, UN agencies, diplomats, the international private sector, the Gulf of Guinea member states, G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea, UNCLOS, ISA, AU, ECOWAS, ECCAS, Strategic Industry Stakeholders, regulators, CEO of transnational energy, oil and gas, aviation, maritime, minerals and infrastructure entities, to forge actionable response mechanisms for economic development, investment, peace building, and sustainable security.

Indeed, expected participants include diplomatic missions, representatives of Coastal African States, global CEOs, IOCs, policy Chiefs, GoG top officials/CEOs of transnational energy, oil & gas, aviation, maritime, infrastructure and minerals entities, Strategic Industry Stakeholders in the GoG, industry regulators/experts, DFIs, Financiers, UN agencies, G7++FoGG viz. Germany, the UK, Italy, Japan, the EU and regional organizations.

Media links:

Harnessing Gulf of Guinea, $3 trillion coastal economy, $800b energy, oil & gas, maritime opportunities – The Nation

Gulf of Guinea: Leveraging $3 trillion coastal economy, $800b energy, oil & gas, maritime opportunities for Private-Public Sector Growth

UNGA 80, TND/GGC Dissect Gulf of Guinea’s $800bn Energy, Maritime Investment Prospects – Thisdaylive

Gambari Urges Global Leaders To Act On Gulf Of Guinea Security To Unlock Africa’s Wealth

Unlock Gulf of Guinea Potentials:  Gambari

  • Countries Represented

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  • Industry Sectors

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  • Investment Opportunities

    0B+ USD

Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation and Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG): A Roadmap for Peace and Security

Industry players and stakeholders are invited.

Download Brochure

  • G2G, B2B & P2P Networks

    Strategic G2G, B2B and P2P networks across international jurisdictions, direct access to target business undertakings, forge inter-sectoral partnerships across GoG/Coastal States

  • Innovative Showcase

    Showcase corporate innovations/visons to a global audience to boost investors confidence, brand visibility; drive business growth, profitability, fortification and diversification

  • Energy & Maritime Network

    Be part of the key network for G2G and B2B framework in the GoG for energy, oil &gas, minerals, aviation and maritime sectors to harness the region’s $800 billion opportunities

  • Business Opportunities

    Positioning entities to leverage on intra-African trade/business expansion, $800bn GoG economy, $3trillion opportunities in Blue Economy, Blue Diplomacy and the AfCFTA

  • Market Access

    Opportunity to unlock Over $800 billion energy, oil & gas, maritime, aviation and infrastructure opportunities, and leverage a projected $3 trillion African Coastal economy

  • Private Sector Financing

    Strategic financing Architecture for private-public sector Projects in energy, Oil & Gas, Aviation & Maritime Sectors; build intersectoral relations in the GoG/Coastal Countries

Speakers

The following are the speakers at this event.

  • H.E. Prof Ibrahim Gambari

    Prof Gambari is the founder and Chairman of Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy s Development (SCDDD), former Nigerian Ambassador to the United Nations (1660-1666), former United Nations Under-Secretary-General (Political)/former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, and erstwhile Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria (2020-2023). He served twice as President of the UN Security Council, and later Joint Special Representative (JSR) /Head of the hybrid AU-UN Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur peace process .He holds Nigeria's national honour of CFR and South Africa's highest national honour conferred on non-citizens, OCORT.

  • H. E. Sen. Douye Diri

    Senator Douye Diri is the governor of Bayelsa State, a littoral State in Nigeria. Prior to becoming the governor of Bayelsa State, he has held various positions at both the executive and legislative arms of government in Nigeria. He was Secretary of the Bayelsa State Centre for Youth Development, Commissioner for Youth and Sports and also served on the University of Maiduguri Governing Council. He represented his people in the House of Representatives in 2015 following his election. In 2019, he was elected as a Senator, representing Bayelsa Central. Educated at the University Of Port- Harcourt Nigeria, Governor Douye Diri stands as beacon of hope, a testament to the power of integrity and dedication. On account of his effective governance, he was re-elected governor of Bayelsa State in 2023. Governor Diri is a fervent advocate for the rights of the Ijaw and Niger Delta communities in Nigeria.

  • H.E. Ghada Fathy Waly

    Waly is the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, Austria (UNOV). Prior to these roles, she served as Minister of Social Solidarity of Egypt between 2014-2016. In that capacity, she also served as Co-ordinator of the inter-ministerial committee for Social Justice and chair of the Executive Council of the Arab Ministers of Social Affairs in the League of Arab States.

  • Mr Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi

    Mr Lateef Fagbemi is Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation. He has a Bachelor of Laws degree (LL.B.) from the University of Jos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. He has a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) from the Obafemi Awolowo University in 1987 in Nigeria. He became a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, in 1998.He has championed many groundbreaking legal reforms in Nigeria including local government financial autonomy. In recognition of his accomplishments he was conferred with the award of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) by Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria

  • Dr Dele Alake

    Dr Oladele Henry Alake is the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development of Nigeria. He is a seasoned Strategist, veteran media practitioner of over 40 years, whose managerial acumen left indelible marks on public and private institutions. He has served in various capacities both at state and federal levels in Nigeria. He has been Special Adviser to the President of Nigeria on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy, and the first Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Nigeria. Alake who holds Bachelor’s and Master’s in Mass Communications of the University of Lagos, is a recipient of the Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa) of Caleb University, Lagos. In his distinguished career spanning over 40 years, Alake has led many media organizations including editorship of National Concord (daily edition)

  • Ambassador Oma Djebah (Convener)

    Ambassador Djebah is a notable journalist- diplomat, and astute entrepreneur. He is Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Thailand with Concurrent Accreditation to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN- ESCAP), Bangkok, Myannai and two-time former Commissioner for Information, Delta State, Nigeria. He was a founding member of the Board of NEPAD in Nigeria. He is chairman of the Board of Mayor Jacob Concepts Ltd, and The New Diplomat Multi -media Ltd. Educated in universities in Africa, Europe and North America, he holds advanced degrees in Global journalism, International Law and Diplomacy and has attended several senior executive management courses including at Harvard Kennedy School, USA. He is passionate about empowering young people through education and knowledge sharing.

  • Madame Melina Travlos

    Tavelos is the President of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS) and the first woman to serve in that role in the 108 -year history of the organization. Chair of the Board of Neptune Shipping Lines Group in Anthens, Greece, Melina Travlos who has been active in Greece Maritime sector for over four decades is a member of the International Shipowners Association. She is a graduate of Business Administration from Northeastern University, Boston, USA. She is a member of the University's Executive Committee of the Hellenic Chamber of Shipping. Member of the Greek National Committee of DNV-GL, President of the Executive Committee of Malta Board of Trustees, and Honorary Consul of Denmark.

  • Ms Karen Schutt Esmeral

    She is Colombia's Vice Minister of Energy. Prior to this role, Minister Karen Schutt Esmeral served in various roles, including Adviser on Renewable Energy and Sustainability(Ministry of Environment and Sustainability Development ), Adviser, Ministry of Mines and Energy, and Director. She was educated at Georgetown University, USA, London School of Commerce, London, UK, University of Calgary, Canada and Ponticia Univrtsidad Javeriana

  • Admiral Awwal Z Gambo

    Admiral Gambo is the 21 st indigenous Chief of the Naval Staff Nigerian Navy (2021- 2023) and holds a PhD in Transport Management. In his long and distinguished military career, he held various roles and earned awards including ECOMOG Peacekeeping medal, Admiralty Medal (AM), General Service Medal (GSS), PSC, Fellow of National Defence College, South Africa, and Fellow Chartered Insititute of Shipping. He holds Nigeria's national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR.

  • ‎Dr Jumoke Oduwole

    Dr. Oduwole is the current Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment of Nigeria. Her career spans academia, corporate governance, and public service. She was Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Mossavar-Rahmani Centre and Governance, Advisor at MIT’s Governance Lab, and has brought a global erspective to governance innovation. She is jurist and was educated at the universities of Lagos, Cambridge and Stanford. Prior to her appointment as Minister of ndustry, Trade and Investment, she founded No Limits Nigeria Initiative. She holds a national honour, MFR.

  • Mr. Solomon Ewanehi

    Mr Ewanehi studied Economics and Statistics at the then Bendel State University, Ekpoma, and later obtained MBA degree in strategic management and Corporate Governance of Rivers state University of Science and Technology (now Rivers State University). An Economist imbued with an entrepreneurial audacity, born with great ingenuity, he has a unique gift of excellence and exceptional service to Humanity. He is Founder and Group CEO/ Group MD of SOLEWANT GROUP - award winning indigenous oil & gas company, an acclaimed world class integrated oil and gas organization, specializing in the provision of steel pipes, pipe coating application solution, pipe/metals fabrication and pipeline construction solutions, to oil, gas, water, and alliedIndustries.

  • Ambassador Bakole Adeoye

    Ambassador Adeoye is a notable Nigerian diplomat. He is the current Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and Head of department at the African Union (AU). He was first elected to that position at the 34 AU Summitin February, 2021. Prior to that role, he was Nigeria’s Ambassador to Ethiopia with concurrent accreditation to Djibouti and Permanent Representative to the AU and UNECA. He has over three and a half decades of experience in foreign policy and diplomatic practice. In his long diplomatic postings, he served in countries such as Egypt, Brazil, South Africa and Ethiopia.

  • Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo

    Rt. Hon(Obongemem), Ekperikpo Ekpo holds academic degrees from the University of Calabar, including a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Ecology), a Master's degree in Environmental Pollution and Toxicology, and a Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, in Environmental Pollution and Toxicology.His career spans over three decades, including in the academic field prior to transitioning into public service in 2002. He was chairman of Ika Local Government Council, member of the House of Representatives, representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency. As Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), the Gas sector has witnessed increased investment, growth in Export Gas Production and roll-out ofCNGstations.

  • Dr Emomotimi John Agama

    Dr Agama is the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria’s apex regulatory institution for the capital market. A distinguished economist, financial analyst, and management accountant with over three decades of professional experience, including extensive expertise in capital market development, financial regulation, economic strategy, and institutional leadership. He is Vice Chairman of the Africa/Middle-East Regional Committee (AMERC) of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). He is passionate about empowering youth through financial literacy, ethical leadership, andBaccess to investment opportunities and global collaboration in regulation.

  • Ambassador Samson Itegboje

    Ambassador Samson Itegboje is a seasoned career diplomat and international relations strategist with over three decades of distinguished service in Nigeria’s Foreign Service. His career reflects extensive experience across bilateral, multilateral, and consular diplomacy, with a proven record of advancing Nigeria’s interests at the highest levels of global governance. Currently, Ambassador Itegboje serves as the Ambassador and Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C. and the Permanent Mission of Nigeria in New York.

  • Ambassador Mohammed Bello Abioye (Convener)

    Ambassador Bello is former Nigeria High Commissioner to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with concurrent accreditation to the Republic of Maldives 2021-2023. He joined the Kwara State Civil Service in the early 1680s and rose to the position of Director of Administration and Finance and served in that capacity in the Ministries of Health, Social development, Sports, Agric and Natural Resources, SUBEB and Information between 2008- 2016. He is an Administrator, Diplomat, Public Policy Analyst and Author.

  • Ambassador Kio Solomon Amieyeofori

    Ambassador Kio Solomon Amieyeofori served as Deputy Director General at the Presidency, from 2018 to 2022. Before this role, he held senior diplomatic positions in the Nigerian Foreign Service, at home and abroad, including in Lome, New York and Geneva. Amieyeofori holds an MSc in Intelligence and Strategic Studies from the University of Wales, as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in International Law & Diplomacy and Political Science from the University of Lagos.

  • Ambassador Emmanuelle Blatmann

    A French diplomat, she is the Head of the African Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France. Prior to this role, she served as France Ambassador to Nigeria. An active diplomat with long standing years of service, Ambassador Blatmann has also served as France Ambassador to Sudan from 2017-2022. She was educated at Paris 1 Pantheon -Sorbonne University and Inalco Bulac, respectively.

  • Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi

    Dr. Emeka Vitalis Obi, mni, has had a distinguished career spanning medicine, public administration, and strategic policy reform. Dr. Obi began his professional journey with commitment to human well-being — a commitment that has defined his career. His passion for service and strategic governance propelled him into public administration, where he has consistently delivered far-reaching reforms across ministries. He served with distinction as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, where he spearheaded reforms that restored institutionsl efficiency. Currently, Dr. Obi serves as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, where he continues to exhibit uncommon transformative leadership.

  • Ambassador Nura Abba Rimi

    Ambassador Rimi is the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment and former Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Arab Republic of Egypt, with concurrent accreditation to the State of Palestine and the State of Eritrea. He has had a very distinguished career in the diplomatic service,including serving at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, State House Protocol, etc.

  • Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda

    Ambassador Aduda is the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Defence, Nigeria. Prior to this role, he was Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his distinguished career in the Nigerian government, he served in many jurisdictions including being Governor at OPEC in Vienna, Austria.

  • Ambassador Obinna Agbugba

    Ambassador Agbugba is the Deputy Executive Secretary (Political Affairs) of the GGC. He is a Nigerian diplomat with a distinguished diplomatic career in the Nigerian Foreign Service. He was at different times, Nigerian Ambassador to Togo and South Sudan, respectively. He also served as alternate Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the International Atomic Energy Agency. He holds degrees in International Relations.

  • Ambassador Leila Lora-Santos

    An active Diplomat with extensive and vibrant experience in multilateral roles, Ambassador Leila Lora-Santos is the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations. She had previously served as Charge de’ Affairs and successfully presented key subject matters leading to successful resolutions on migrant at the United Nations.

  • Ambassador Rita Laranjinha

    She is Portugal’s Special Envoy for Africa. Prior to this role, she has held various positions including serving as Portugal’s Ambassador to Denmark and Lithunia. Ambassador Laranjinha was also Managing director for Africa at the European External Action Space (EEAS). She was also responsible for setting up of the Global Gate way Project, an EU initiative aimed at mobilizing funding for infrastructure projects in partner countries, including countries in Africa.

  • Mr Johnson Babalola

    Mr Babalola is Managing Partner JB Law, Toronto, Canada. He has over three decades of legal practise in Nigeria and Canada with focus on Canadian immigration practice and workplace issues. He is a distinguished Certified Immigration Specialist Lawyer. His career has spanned various roles, from an immigration consultant, sole practitioner to the founding partner of JB Law Professional Corporation (practicing as Topmarké Attorneys LLP), a leading law firm in Toronto.

  • Mr Syndoph Paebi Endoni

    Mr Endoni is a Foreign Service Officer and currently serving at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, New York and Head of the 4th Committee at the Mission. A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Second Secretary in 1997, after some years in the private business sector. He has served in various Nigerian Missions abroad, including the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG), Switzerland and the Nigerian High Commission and Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Nairobi, Kenya.

  • Mr Michael Uwaechie

    Mr Uwaechie is managing partner Ivry Crest Solicitors, Abuja. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007 and to the New York (USA) Bar in 2011. He is a Partner at Ivy Crest Solicitors, where he leads the firm’s corporate and commercial law practice.

  • Mr Paul Johnson Afagase

    Mr Afagase is the CEO of AFAGAF company, an integrated indigenous group that is a player in the Oil and Gas sector. He is a player in the agriculture, engineering, construction and commercial sectors of the Nigerian economy. He is an electrical engineer by education and training.

  • Mr Laolu Akande

    Mr Akande is the Editor in Chief of Empowered Newswire and the hosts of the popular Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV, Nigeria. He was the spokesperson to the former Vice President of Nigeria 2015-'23, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. A journalist, policy analyst and TV Programme presenter. He was The GuardianNewspaper’s Bureau Chief in the United States for a very long time.

  • SFC Kingsley Dike (Rtd)

    SFC Dike’s career has spanned journalism, military and entrepreneurship. He started his career as a reporter with The Guardian Newspapers, Lagos-Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in International Relations from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Master of Art (MA) in Political Science from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas-USA (KSTATE). He now runs Chick' n Cone, Emory Point, Atlanta, and Trans-Atlantic Vending Operations, Atlanta, Georgia. He has covered several important general elections around the world, including the United States 2000 Bush-Gore election and Ghana's generalelections that saw the exit of President Jerry Rawlings after over 20 years in power.

Contact

For more information, contact: +234(0)8033031203, +666-3823-9898 (WhatsApp only), +2348033753701, +2348053680653, (0)7065848473.

Or send an email to: [email protected]; [email protected];  [email protected]

Corporate Office: The New Diplomat Multi-Media Limited, First Floor, Oakland Center, Plot 2940 Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria.

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    Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation and Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea

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    High-Level Roundtable on Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation & Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), New York, USA

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Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
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