The Director, Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law (CPEEL), Prof. Olugbenga Falode, has called on African researchers, policymakers, and energy professionals to take the lead in shaping energy policies that reflect the continent’s realities instead of merely reacting to global shifts.

Prof. Falode made the call at the 18th Annual International Conference of the Nigeria Association for Energy Economics (NAEE) and the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE) in Abuja.

He noted that global energy politics has become more complex, citing the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict, shifting gas routes in Europe, and rising demand in Asia, especially China.

According to him, these developments are reshaping the balance of power in the global energy market and have direct implications for developing countries like Nigeria.

“Energy geopolitics has become a global contest, and like any competitive game, it needs strategy, coordination, and clear rules,” he said.

He stressed that experts in the Global South must take a proactive role in influencing global energy transitions to suit local economies and development goals.

Prof. Falode commended NAEE for sustaining 18 years of impactful conferences that have shaped energy thinking and policy in Nigeria and across Africa.

He noted that past conferences have inspired research, doctoral theses, and national strategies that address issues of energy poverty and climate change.

He praised the diversity of participants at this year’s event including scholars, government officials, and private sector leaders, describing the conference as “a meeting point between ideas and practical solutions.”

The CPEEL Director encouraged participants to go beyond academic discussions and build partnerships that lead to real-world impact. “Let this edition link the past to the future turning research into innovation, and PowerPoint slides into actual power supply,” he said.

Prof. Falode urge delegates to remain resilient in their work. “May your investments always be bankable and your tea always stay hot because electricity can’t always be trusted for that,” he said.