By Milcah Tanimu

Biodun Ogunleye has officially assumed office as the Honourable Commissioner for the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. In his new role, Ogunleye has already engaged in key activities, including attending the Ministry of Power Ministerial retreat in Abuja to strategize on measures to enhance the energy sector.

One of Ogunleye’s early engagements involved a meeting with the Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB), a government agency responsible for electricity supply in the state. Discussions during the meeting focused on leveraging advanced technologies to enhance street lighting and develop a system for managing street assets in Lagos.

Biodun Ogunleye, a former banker and finance executive, brings over 20 years of experience to his role as an energy expert. Prior to his appointment as the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Ogunleye served as the Chief Executive Officer of PowerCap Ltd, a consulting service specializing in the energy sector.

Ogunleye’s expertise spans various areas, including project finance, public-private partnerships, strategic management, investment management, change management, and business process analysis. He has a track record of leading complex engineering projects, managing cross-functional teams, and developing go-to-market strategies for new business ventures.

During a power sector webinar in July 2023, organized by Nairametrics, Ogunleye emphasized that the challenges in Nigeria’s electricity sector present opportunities for investments, improvements, and partnerships. He highlighted potential areas for collaboration between capital owners, business interests, and current franchise holders, including the sale of excess electricity, monitoring and intelligence, and the integration of existing and new infrastructure.