President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Minister of Power and renowned engineer, Professor Bart Nnaji, on his 70th birthday, describing him as one of Nigeria’s most significant figures in the power sector.
Professor Nnaji, who turned 70 on 13 July 2026, served as Minister of Power between 2011 and 2012 and currently chairs Geometric Power. He is also the Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Nigeria Prize for Science and serves as Pro-Chancellor of Bells University of Technology, Ogun State.
In a congratulatory message, President Tinubu praised the former minister for his integrity, brilliance and dedication to national service, noting that he brought discipline and innovation to his role in government.
The President described Nnaji as a visionary whose contributions have had a lasting impact on Nigeria’s electricity sector, particularly through the pioneering Aba Integrated Power Project, regarded as the country’s first fully vertically integrated electricity utility.
According to the President, the project demonstrated Professor Nnaji’s foresight and commitment to transforming Nigeria’s power landscape despite facing years of setbacks and delays.
The Aba Integrated Power Project, which experienced more than two decades of delays, was eventually commissioned in February 2024 by Vice-President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Tinubu.
The President also recalled inviting Professor Nnaji to participate in the Presidential Retreat for Ministers and other senior government officials shortly after assuming office in 2023, citing his expertise and patriotism.
Tinubu commended the former minister for his role in driving reforms in the power sector and for his determination to continue advocating improvements despite the numerous challenges confronting the industry.
The President joined the family, friends and associates of Professor Nnaji in celebrating the milestone and wished him many more years of good health and continued success in his future endeavours.
