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The Oxford African Governance Forum (OAGF), in collaboration with the University of Oxford, United Kingdom, will host a high-level conference on Monday, November 10, 2025, centered on the theme “Building a Sovereign and Prosperous Africa.”
The event, scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., forms part of the 2025 Michaelmas Conference Series — a month-long platform that brings together distinguished scholars, policymakers, and governance practitioners to examine Africa’s most pressing governance challenges and emerging opportunities.
This year’s theme, “Harnessing Africa’s Petroleum Potential: Pathways to Energy Sovereignty, Governance, Efficiency, and National Interest,” aims to highlight Africa’s potential to leverage its vast energy resources as a foundation for sovereignty, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Among the leading voices at this year’s forum is Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti, the Chief Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Officer of NNPC Limited, recognized across the continent for his transformative leadership and reforms in the oil and gas industry.
Other distinguished speakers include H.E. Ambassador Nimisha Madhvani, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr. NJ Ayuk Executive Chairman African Energy Chamber.
The Oxford African Governance Forum (OAGF) continues to serve as a vital platform for advancing African-led ideas, fostering collaboration between academia and governance institutions, and inspiring a new generation of visionary leaders dedicated to a sovereign and prosperous Africa. Notably, past guests have included former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.
Facilitating Dr. Wunti’s participation in this year’s forum is the Friends of the Society for Good Governance, locally known as Abokan Al’ummah, a Bauchi-based non-governmental organization led by Labib Abdullahi Mahmood and Engr. Anas Hussaini Kirfi.
Dr. Zaheed Mahmood, an Ai for Education Researcher (AiEOU Oxford) and Chairman of iLimi Ai Foundation, serves as the bridge between Abokan Al’ummah and the Oxford African Governance Forum, ensuring effective collaboration between the two institutions.
Profile: Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti – A Man of Service, Vision, and Integrity
Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti stands as one of Africa’s most accomplished energy executives and a beacon of reform-driven leadership. An alumnus of the Harvard Business School (Advanced Management Program) and the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government, he currently serves as the Chief HSE Officer of NNPC Limited.
Born on August 8, 1966, in Bauchi State, Dr. Wunti’s remarkable journey from early adversity to national prominence embodies resilience and the power of purposeful leadership. Orphaned at the age of five, his life’s story reflects courage, discipline, and a commitment to service.
He obtained his B.Sc. in Chemistry from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, followed by an MBA in Marketing from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. His distinguished career began with Doma Chemicals, Lagos, before joining the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 1992.
Throughout his over 33 years of public service, Dr. Wunti has held numerous leadership positions, including:
Managing Director, Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC)
Group General Manager, National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS)
Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Nigerian Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS)
Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy
General Manager, NNPC Efficiency Unit
Championing Transparency and Energy Reforms
Dr. Wunti’s leadership legacy is defined by Operation White, a landmark initiative that introduced real-time digital tracking of petroleum product distribution across Nigeria. The project enhanced transparency, minimized diversion, and strengthened accountability throughout the supply chain — marking a major leap forward in Nigeria’s energy governance framework.
His unwavering commitment to integrity and efficiency earned him recognition among the 100 Most Reputable Africans of 2025, as announced by Reputation Poll International (RPI) in partnership with the Global Reputation Forum.
A Visionary for Africa’s Energy Sovereignty
At NNPC Limited, Dr. Bala Maijama’a Wunti continues to drive Nigeria’s energy transition agenda with an emphasis on governance, sustainability, and national interest. His forthcoming keynote at Oxford will articulate a compelling vision for how Africa can convert its natural resources into engines of sovereignty and inclusive prosperity.
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