Petroleum Ministry Backs LEICA 2026 as Africa’s Energy Legal Agenda Accelerates

Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources has partnered with the Lawyers in Energy Network (LIEN) as anchor supporter of the 2026 Lawyers in Energy International Conference and Awards (LEICA), reinforcing growing attention to the legal and regulatory frameworks shaping Africa’s energy transition.

The collaboration highlights a broader policy shift towards strengthening governance systems that support investment, improve regulatory certainty, and manage the complex balance between hydrocarbon development, energy security, and global decarbonisation pressures.

LEICA 2026 will take place from 13–14 July 2026 at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders, including legal professionals, policymakers, regulators, judges, energy executives, investors, academics, and development partners from across Africa and international markets.

This year’s theme—“Net Zero, Energy Law and Regulatory Reform: Managing Risk and Unlocking Opportunity in a Carbon-Constrained Energy Market”—reflects intensifying debate around how African energy systems can remain economically viable while adapting to evolving climate and investment expectations.

LIEN Executive Secretary, Ms Raqeebah Oloko, said the partnership demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to dialogue and sustainable sector development. She noted that discussions at the conference will focus on legal and regulatory reforms required to help African countries navigate the energy transition without compromising development priorities or capital inflows.

A key highlight will be a keynote address by the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), Mr Farid Ghezali. He is expected to outline perspectives on Africa’s evolving energy landscape, regional cooperation, and the role of legal frameworks in enabling a practical and equitable transition.

LIEN Chairman, Mr George Etomi, described LEICA as a leading platform for energy law discourse in Africa. He stressed the importance of legal systems that both safeguard investor confidence and support innovation across oil, gas, power, and renewable energy sectors.

The conference programme will include plenary and technical sessions addressing net-zero transition frameworks, regulatory certainty, investment protection, carbon markets, climate finance, ESG regulation, and dispute resolution in carbon-constrained markets. Additional topics will explore petroleum and gas regulation, power sector reform, renewable energy law, and cross-border investment frameworks across Africa.

Organisers expect participation from government institutions, regulatory agencies, international organisations, energy companies, law firms, financial institutions, development partners, academia, and civil society.

Beyond policy discussions, LEICA 2026 is positioned as a strategic networking platform, offering opportunities for partnerships, knowledge exchange, and professional development. The event will also recognise excellence in the sector through the LEICA Awards, which honour individuals and organisations contributing to Africa’s evolving energy landscape.