African Energy Chamber appoints Abiola Lukman Lawal to board to boost infrastructure and energy growth
The African Energy Chamber (AEC), the leading voice of Africa’s energy sector, has announced the appointment of Abiola Lukman Lawal, Chairman of Digital Connect Infrastructure & Telecom (DCIT), as its newest Board Member. With over 30 years of leadership experience across oil and gas, infrastructure, telecoms, and aviation, Lawal’s addition reinforces the Chamber’s commitment to uniting transformative leaders to drive Africa’s energy and infrastructure progress.
Lawal’s appointment comes on the heels of a major achievement for DCIT, which recently partnered with U.S.-based Vanu Inc. to launch solar-powered mobile network sites in underserved Nigerian communities. This initiative merges renewable energy with telecom innovation, leveraging Vanu’s off-grid systems and DCIT’s infrastructure expertise to deliver scalable, sustainable connectivity solutions. With proof-of-concept sites already operational, expansion plans are underway across Nigeria and other African markets, showcasing a strong energy-tech convergence.
Proven track record in energy and infrastructure leadership
Before leading DCIT, Lawal served as Managing Director and CEO of Eterna PLC, where he oversaw one of Nigeria’s most significant downstream energy turnarounds. His tenure saw the company join a consortium to develop the 15-million-liter Joint User Hydrant Installation 2 at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport, a milestone in West African aviation infrastructure.
In 2024, Lawal restored Eterna to profitability after a major loss in 2023, achieved 27% projected revenue growth, a 166% increase in operating profit in H1, and a 117% year-to-date share price rise. He also drove investments in LPG and CNG to diversify operations and enhance resilience in volatile markets.
Recognized leadership and industry impact
Named one of BusinessDay’s Top 25 CEOs in Nigeria for 2024, Lawal has held key roles including Deputy Managing Director and CFO at Eroton Exploration & Production, Executive Director at Oando Gas & Power, and Group Chief Strategy Officer at Oando Plc, where he helped shape the company’s expansion from downstream to upstream operations.
AEC Executive Chairman NJ Ayuk praised Lawal’s data-driven, pragmatic leadership style and his ability to bridge infrastructure development, energy innovation, and commercial strategy. Lawal’s role on the board will focus on advancing cross-border collaboration, infrastructure-led growth, and private sector-driven energy development, with the overarching goal of ending energy poverty in Africa.
