Happy birthday to our man at the City Gate, the distinguished Patrick Okigbo, The Third.
Patrick is the epitome of the public intellectual. He is an engaged citizen in various interests and activities, from the nation’s capital to the regions.
City gates in the Bible are more than architectural features. They are symbols of community, authority, justice, and protection. They often represent a city’s heart and soul, both physically and spiritually.
Patrick O. Okigbo III is a prominent Nigerian public policy expert, entrepreneur, and thought leader in Abuja. He is the founder and principal partner at Nextier, a leading advisory firm focused on governance and public policy issues, particularly in the energy sector. His extensive career includes significant roles in the Nigerian and U.S. financial services sectors.
In 2020, Harvard University appointed him a Senior Fellow. He makes presentations and works on issues related to governance and how it affects the economy.
This Great Lion deploys his expertise so governments on both sides of Nigeria’s political spectrum find his skillsets compelling. He is currently a member of President Bola Tinubu’s economic advisory panel. From 2010 to 2011, he served as Special Assistant to then-President Goodluck Jonathan, focusing on reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Recent engagements include assisting the hardworking Governor Peter Mbah in becoming the first subnational to take advantage of new policy directions in developing THE ENUGU STATE ELECTRICITY POLICY: ELECTRIFYING OUR STATE AND EMPOWERING OUR PROGRESS.
He is the project executor of the visionary Ncheta Ndigbo, the Centre for Memories that serves as a repository of the history and culture of Ndigbo.
Awele’s husband is a father of four fantastic offspring. He upholds the Okigbo family name and tradition of excellent public service and contributions to society and humanity.
Folks, join me as I wish Patrick 111 a splendid birthday and a new calendar.
Education and Early Career
Okigbo holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, an MBA from Emory University, and an Executive master’s in public administration from the London School of Economics. He began his career in 1998 at Diamond Bank Plc and later joined Accenture, working with financial services clients across West Africa. Notably, he was part of the team that developed Nigeria’s first electronic payment processing platform, showcasing his innovative contributions to the field.
Professional Achievements
In 2003, Okigbo joined Citigroup in New York City, where he served in various capacities, including as a Vice President. He returned to Nigeria in 2007 to work with Transcorp Plc as Chief Financial Officer, leading efforts to restructure the company’s finances and initiate new ventures in agro-processing and hospitality. From 2010 to 2011, he served as a Senior Special Assistant to then-President Goodluck Jonathan, focusing on reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector. In 2011, he founded Nextier, which collaborates with central government institutions and international development programs, receiving grants from prominent foundations for its research and advocacy efforts.
Contributions and Influence
Patrick Okigbo is recognised for his contributions to public policy discourse and has written extensively on governance and development issues. He is also a Global Advisor to the Energy for Growth Hub and serves on various government committees, providing strategic advice to public officials. His work emphasizes improving governance and development outcomes in Africa, and he is actively involved in initiatives that promote entrepreneurial development in Nigeria. His strategic advice to public officials reassures his influence in the field.
He is a member of the Strategic Advisory Board of Coal City University.
