NLNG honors Prof. Bart Nnaji @70, lauds 22-year legacy in elevating Nigeria Prize for Science - ITREALMS

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has paid a rich tribute to former Minister of Power and renowned scholar, Professor Bart Nnaji, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, celebrating his over two decades of selfless service and strategic leadership toward the governance, credibility, and global stature of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation.

The energy giant honored Professor Nnaji at a high-profile colloquium organized to mark his milestone birthday. NLNG reflected on his deep-rooted history with the Prize, which spans 22 years from its formative stages in 2004 to its current standing as Africa’s most prestigious scientific award.

Delivering the tribute on behalf of NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, the General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, highlighted Professor Nnaji’s pivotal role as one of the initiative's earliest champions.

"Professor Nnaji has been an integral part of the Prize’s journey since its inception in 2004. Through his intellectual leadership, strategic counsel, and sustained advocacy, he has helped shape its vision, strengthen stakeholder confidence, and advance its role as a premier platform for scientific innovation and national development," Horsfall stated.

Professor Nnaji’s foundational impact dates back to the inaugural Grand Award Night in Abuja on October 9, 2004, where he delivered the landmark keynote address titled “Leapfrogging Science and Technology in Nigeria.” The speech set the tone for the Prize’s core ambition: leveraging science and technology to accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement. His early endorsement proved instrumental in mobilizing support across academic, policy, and research communities nationwide.

His contribution deepened significantly in 2013 when he participated in a major stakeholder review convened by NLNG. His strategic guidance helped engineer key institutional reforms that strengthened the Prize’s administrative processes and fortified public trust in its selection mechanisms.

In recognition of his distinguished service and standing in the global scientific community, NLNG appointed Professor Nnaji as Chairman of the Advisory Board of The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation in 2022. Under his leadership, the Board has successfully expanded the Prize’s international reach, leveraging his extensive global network to deepen engagement with researchers and institutions worldwide.

Extending warm congratulations from NLNG's executive leadership, Falade described Professor Nnaji’s relationship with the organization as transcending formal responsibilities.

"To Professor Nnaji, you are family, and we celebrate this milestone accomplishment with you and your loved ones," Falade noted in his message. "As we mark this important milestone, we celebrate his distinguished record as a scientist, public servant, and leader in Nigeria’s power industry. We wish him robust health and many more years of impactful service to Nigeria and humanity."

Established in 2004 and sponsored by NLNG, The Nigeria Prize for Science and Innovation recognizes scientists and innovators whose work delivers practical, high-impact solutions to critical challenges facing Nigeria. The annual competition remains open to entries from researchers and innovators across the globe.