Ministry of Petroleum Resources, oil  backs LEICA 2026….. APPO Chief to deliver keynote

By Editor

Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, oil is partnering with the Lawyers in Energy Network LIEN as the Anchor Partner for the 2026 Lawyers in Energy International Conference and Awards LEICA,  reinforcing government support for legal and regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector.

The conference, scheduled for July 13–14, 2026, in Lagos, will focus on the theme, “Net Zero, Energy Law and Regulatory Reform: Managing Risk and Unlocking Opportunity in a Carbon-Constrained Energy Market.”

It is expected to bring together legal practitioners, policymakers, regulators, judges, investors, business executives, academics, development partners and energy professionals from across Africa and beyond to discuss the continent’s energy transition.

A major highlight of the conference will be the keynote address by the Secretary General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization APPO, Farid Ghezali, who is expected to provide insights into Africa’s evolving energy landscape, regional cooperation, investment opportunities and the role of legal and regulatory frameworks in ensuring a fair and practical energy transition.

According to the organisers, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources’ oil partnership demonstrates its commitment to promoting dialogue and collaboration within Nigeria’s energy industry while supporting initiatives that strengthen legal and regulatory institutions, encourage investment and advance sustainable growth in the sector.

Chairman of the Lawyers in Energy Network, George Etomi, said LEICA has evolved into one of Africa’s leading platforms for discussions at the intersection of law, policy and the energy industry.

He noted that as countries seek to balance energy security, sustainability and economic growth, there is an increasing need for legal and regulatory systems that enhance investor confidence while encouraging innovation and responsible resource development.

Etomi said LEICA 2026 would assemble leading experts and stakeholders to develop practical solutions for Africa’s energy future. 

The conference programme will feature plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical sessions, networking events and the LEICA Awards, which recognise organisations and individuals making significant contributions to the development of Africa’s energy industry. 

Key discussion areas will include energy sector reforms for an orderly net-zero transition, regulatory certainty and investment protection, carbon markets, climate finance, environmental, social and governance ESG regulation, dispute resolution in carbon-constrained markets, petroleum, gas, power and renewable energy regulation, as well as regional integration and cross-border energy investment. 

Organisers said LEICA 2026 is expected to attract participants from government institutions, regulatory agencies, international organisations, energy companies, law firms, financial institutions, development partners, academia and civil society, further cementing its position as one of Africa’s foremost energy law conferences.

They added that the event would also provide opportunities for strategic partnerships, business networking, knowledge exchange and professional development, while registration, sponsorship, exhibition and partnership opportunities have been opened to interested participants.