Engr. Jonathan Lawani

Jonathan Osioakpaieme Lawani is a transformative leader and electrical power engineer with deep, hands-on experience in energy infrastructure development, strategic project execution, and organizational turnaround. His work spans the electricity distribution industry, oil and gas, and public service, where he has consistently driven performance through visionary leadership, operational discipline, and a strong commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Jonathan began his career in the oil and gas sector during his National Youth Service with the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), where he was involved in major field projects such as the Agbara Phase 2 (OML 116) shutdown. He went on to serve in technical and business development roles at Sea Petroleum and Gas Ltd. (SPG) and LATEEJAY Nigeria Ltd., where he led several commercial and technical bid engagements across Nigeria’s upstream and midstream value chains.

His transition into the power sector was marked by a progressive career at Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), one of Nigeria’s leading DisCos. Starting as Technical Assistant to the COO, he rose to lead the Technical Projects Group, spearheading the delivery of over USD 50 million in network upgrades and substation projects that significantly enhanced grid reliability, power evacuation, and automation. His leadership later extended into public service where he was appointed Commissioner for Environment in Edo State, contributing to policies that addressed environmental sustainability and watershed management.

Jonathan currently serves as the Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BEDC Electricity Plc, where he is overseeing the transformation of one of Nigeria’s largest electricity distribution companies. Under his stewardship, the company is pursuing reforms in service delivery, energy efficiency, network performance, and stakeholder engagement, all anchored on a foundation of accountability, innovation, and people-centric leadership.

Academically, Jonathan holds a B.Eng. in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Benin (Second Class Upper), a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Auchi Polytechnic, and a Master of Science degree in Power Systems and Energy Management from City University, London. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management from Universidad Católica de Murcia, Spain. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), he has undergone executive training globally including programs with JICA (Japan), APUA/NAPTIN (Nigeria), and Dubai-based budgeting and infrastructure seminars.

He is a member of several esteemed professional bodies including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (NIEEE), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the UK Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Jonathan is a passionate advocate of continuous learning, structured collaboration, and ethical leadership. He believes in developing strong teams through mentorship and purposeful engagement. He is married with three children and enjoys reading, technology, travel, and using knowledge as a tool to inspire growth in people and institutions.