L.E.I.C.A. 2026: Where energy law takes centre stage in Africa’s net-zero transition

By Onu Okorie

As Africa seeks to balance energy security, economic growth and climate commitments, legal and regulatory systems are increasingly becoming as important as technology and investment in determining the continent’s energy future. 

Against this backdrop, the Lawyers in Energy International Conference & Awards, L.E.I.C.A. 2026 is positioning itself as a major platform for conversations that could influence the next phase of energy governance in Nigeria and across Africa.

Scheduled to hold from July 13 to 15, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the conference is built around the theme, “Net Zero, Energy Law and Regulatory Reform: Managing Risk and Unlocking Opportunity in a Carbon-Constrained Energy Market.” 

The theme reflects the growing recognition that achieving a lower-carbon future will depend not only on technological innovation but also on robust legal frameworks, regulatory certainty and sound policy implementation.

One of the strongest indicators of the conference’s growing influence is the calibre of organisations backing the event.

The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources has signed on as the Anchor Partner, signalling government support for deeper engagement on energy reforms and the legal dimensions of Nigeria’s transition agenda. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to encouraging dialogue between policymakers, regulators, investors and legal practitioners as the country navigates a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

The Nigerian Gas Association NGA, representing operators and investors across Nigeria’s gas value chain, has also joined as a Strategic Partner. Its participation underscores the central role natural gas is expected to play as a transition fuel in Africa’s journey towards lower carbon emissions. With Nigeria pursuing its Decade of Gas initiative while advancing cleaner energy solutions, the association’s involvement highlights the importance of aligning legal frameworks with commercial realities.

Similarly, the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization APPO, has come on board as a Strategic Partner, reinforcing the conference’s continental outlook. APPO’s participation reflects growing interest among African petroleum-producing countries in developing regulatory systems capable of supporting investment while responding to global climate obligations.

Support for the conference extends beyond public institutions.

Leading commercial law firm George Etomi & Partners GEP Law, has joined as a Bronze Sponsor, reflecting continued private-sector interest in strengthening energy law practice across Africa.

NNPC Retail has also announced its sponsorship, highlighting the importance of legal and regulatory reforms to companies operating within Nigeria’s downstream petroleum industry. Organisers say the company’s participation demonstrates recognition that sustainable growth in the energy sector will increasingly depend on effective regulation and collaboration between government and industry.

The growing list of sponsors suggests that businesses now view legal certainty as a critical component of investment decisions, particularly as countries introduce new climate policies and energy transition strategies.

Conversations Shaped by Experience

Beyond institutional support, L.E.I.C.A. 2026 has assembled an impressive lineup of speakers drawn from government, regulation, private legal practice and industry operations.

Among them is Terlumun George-Maria Tyendezwa, Director of Legal Services at the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, whose responsibilities place him at the centre of translating petroleum policy into enforceable legal frameworks.

Joining him is Dr. Joseph Tolorunse, Authority Secretary and Legal Adviser to the Board of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority NMDPRA, bringing extensive regulatory experience to discussions on governance, compliance and institutional integrity.

From private legal practice, Olabisi Makanjuola, Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, is expected to provide perspectives shaped by years of advising on major commercial and energy transactions in Nigeria.

Industry operations will be represented by Engr. Chichi Emenike, Acting Managing Director of Neconde Energy Limited and an experienced gas asset manager, whose practical experience bridges engineering, commercial operations and policy implementation.

Together, the speakers reflect the conference’s objective of creating dialogue between those who formulate policy, interpret the law, regulate the industry and operate within it.

Energy Transition Beyond Technology

Across the world, discussions on energy transition often focus on renewable technologies, electric mobility and emissions reduction. However, experts increasingly acknowledge that successful transition also depends on creating predictable legal environments capable of attracting long-term investment.

For Africa, the challenge is particularly complex. Many countries continue to depend heavily on oil and gas revenues while simultaneously seeking to expand energy access and meet international climate commitments.

Nigeria faces a similar balancing act. As Africa’s largest oil producer and home to one of the continent’s largest gas reserves, the country is pursuing policies that encourage gas development while gradually embracing cleaner energy alternatives. Such ambitions require legislation, regulatory reforms and contractual frameworks that can adapt to changing market conditions.

Against this backdrop, conferences such as L.E.I.C.A. provide opportunities for lawyers, regulators, investors and policymakers to exchange ideas on how legal systems can support both economic development and environmental sustainability.

The expanding list of strategic partners, sponsors and speakers reflects growing recognition that energy law has become central to Africa’s economic future.

Rather than viewing legal frameworks merely as compliance tools, stakeholders are increasingly treating them as instruments for attracting investment, managing environmental risks and creating confidence in emerging energy markets.

As debates around net-zero commitments continue to evolve, L.E.I.C.A. 2026 aims to position itself as a forum where legal expertise meets industry experience, helping shape policies capable of supporting Africa’s unique energy transition pathway.

For Nigeria, and indeed the continent, the conference may offer more than discussion, it could help define how law and regulation support an energy future that balances development, security and sustainability.