J-K GADZAMA LLP HELD ITS 18TH ANNUAL PUBLIC LECTURE ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
The 18th edition of the J-K Gadzama LLP Annual Public Lecture took place virtually on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
The event brought together scholars and thought leaders to discuss the topic: "Beyond Oil: Diversifying Nigeria's Economy through Sustainable Natural Resource Management".
The Host, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, SAN, C.Arb, Life Bencher and Founding Principal Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, delivered a Welcome Address, in which he appreciated the distinguished Chairman, the Keynote Speaker, the discussants and participants.
In his address, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, SAN, C.Arb. inspired the audience thus: “I inspire us to move from dependency to diversification, from extraction to innovation, and from rhetoric to results. Together, we can chart a path towards a Nigeria that thrives beyond oil, transitioning from a monolithic to a diversified economy and thereby overcoming the Dutch disease. Ultimately, our goal is to build a nation that manages her natural wealth not merely for profit, but for posterity, our children and our children’s children.”
The event was chaired by Mr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, the Chairman of Alphine Group, and in his opening remarks, he commended J-K Gadzama LLP for its unwavering commitment to national progress. He also thanked the speakers, panelists, and the participants who continues to lend their intellect and influence to the national cause.
Professor Ayodele Morocco-Clarke, Professor of Energy, Climate and Environmental Law & Policy, delivered the keynote lecture, sharing insights on the critical role of sustainable natural resource management in Nigeria's economic diversification efforts. She noted that considering the global switch from fossil fuel to other renewable energy sources, there is an urgent need for Nigeria to diversify its economy and harness its vast renewable energy resources to drive sustainable development and reduce its vulnerability to climate change. She also emphasized that Nigeria needs to address key challenges holding the country back, specifically citing the need for effective institutions, robust political will, and adequate security.
A panel discussion featuring Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, fnmgs, fnse fnsme (Director General, Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office), Prof. Peter Akper, OFR, SAN (Professor of Mining Law and Policy), Mr. Gino Cocchiaro (Consultant, Jurist Energy Transition Africa) and Mr. Victor Daniel, (Associate, J-K Gadzama LLP) explored practical strategies for harnessing Nigeria's natural resources to drive economic growth.
During the Panel discussion that followed, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, fnmgs, fnse, fnsme, took a deep dive into the concept of mining, tracing the history of mining in Nigeria. He highlighted how Nigeria was once a major exporter of solid minerals, and discussed the establishment of the National Oil and Ore Mining Agency and the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Prof. Peter Akper, SAN, OFR, provided an in-depth analysis of oil exploration in Nigeria and the need for diversification. He advocated for a multi-faceted approach, highlighting the potential of agriculture, mining, and manufacturing sectors to generate revenue.
Mr Gino Cocchiaro also weighed in on the discussion, focusing on Africa’s role in the global energy transition. He emphasized the need for Nigeria to adopt a just and inclusive approach to renewable energy, rather than relying heavily on oil minerals as its primary revenue source.
Victor Daniel expressed a strong bias towards the solid minerals sector, highlighting its prospects in Nigeria. He drew a comparison with Australia, a country with a similar federal structure, yet with vastly different outcomes in solid minerals development.
Towards the end of the lecture, Prof. Paul Idornigie, SAN, delivered a goodwill message, commending and appreciating the host, Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, OFR, SAN, C.Arb, Life Bencher, and Founding Principal Partner of J-K Gadzama LLP, along with the entire team, for sustaining the annual lecture series. He noted that maintaining the 18-year streak was no small feat and praised their dedication and commitment to the program's success.
Mr. Mohammed Monguno, former Attorney General of Borno State and Senior Partner, J-K Gadzama LLP, delivered the vote of thanks, and appreciated all the speakers and participants for honouring the invitation.
Overall, the lecture provided a platform for critical and intellectually stimulating discussion on Nigeria's economic future, highlighting the need for sustainable natural resource management and diversification beyond oil.
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