Energy, Justice, Security, and the PIA: Key Takeaways from the CPI Oil and Gas Law Forum

The Centre for Petroleum Information (CPI), Nigeria’s foremost energy think tank, recently hosted its highly anticipated Oil and Gas Law Forum, spotlighting the theme: “Energy Justice, Energy Security, and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.” The forum attracted key industry stakeholders, legal experts, and policy advocates, all gathered to examine the intersection of law, equity, and Nigeria’s evolving energy framework.

Addressing Gray Areas in the Energy Sector

In her keynote paper titled “Energy Security and PIA 2021,” Dr. Ngozi Ole, Director at Alliance Law Firm, emphasized the centrality of oil and gas in Nigeria’s energy supply since their discovery in 1956. Despite producing approximately 1.6 million barrels per day as of April 2025, and oil remaining a cornerstone of Nigeria’s national budget, energy access remains out of reach for many citizens.

Dr. Ole affirmed that the PIA was enacted to spur sector growth and enhance energy security, aligning with the International Energy Agency (IEA) definition of energy security: affordable, reliable, and consistent access to energy necessary for household and industrial growth.

The Gaps: Beyond Policy to Enforcement

Sola Adepetun, Partner at Dentons ACAS-Law, noted that despite the PIA’s introduction, there are unresolved gaps demanding ongoing dialogue. He emphasized the need for regular reviews of existing energy laws to reflect current realities. Keywords such as accessibility, sustainability, distributive justice, and energy poverty were flagged as pressure points for policymakers and legislators.

He added that resource control and equitable access form the crux of energy justice. Nigeria must chart its own course toward energy transition, rather than blindly following global trends.

“How can we be so wealthy, yet so poor?” Adepetun asked, stressing the need for leadership that will utilize Nigeria’s abundant solar and other renewable resources.

Strong Governance and Public Inclusion Needed

Folasade Akinmusire, Group Company Secretary at Nest Oil Limited, stressed that while the fiscal policies exist, implementation and enforcement remain weak links in achieving energy justice. She called on the government to:

• Strengthen governance and policy enforcement frameworks.

• Ensure fair access to electricity, irrespective of class.

• Promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles across the energy value chain.

She advocated for public engagement through town hall meetings to align energy strategies with citizens’ needs.

Distributive Justice and Clean Energy Access

Sope Falana, Senior Associate at Jackson Etti & Edu, pointed out that while the PIA establishes mechanisms like the Environmental Remediation Fund, it still falls short on distributive justice—particularly energy access and inclusion.

Falana highlighted the efforts of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) but acknowledged a long road ahead. “Operationalizing energy provisions in the PIA must include enforcement mechanisms to bridge the rural-urban energy divide,” she said.

The Dollar Conundrum and Local Realities

Engr. Oladele, Chairman of CPI’s Board of Governors, criticized the mismatch between policy and economic realities, such as mandating gas sales in naira while suppliers purchase materials in U.S. dollars. He warned that such disparities make the Domestic Supply Obligation (DSO) model unworkable without currency guarantees.

Chamberlain Oyibo, former CPI Chairman, praised the PIA’s community focus but highlighted gaps in gas production regulations, particularly affecting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) host communities.

Are We All on the Energy Bus?

Victor Eromosele, Executive Director at CPI, posed a thought-provoking question: “Is there such a thing as true energy justice where no one is left behind?” He lamented that many Nigerians don’t even have access to the metaphorical energy bus, while those on it are burdened by unjustifiably high tariffs.

He also stressed the importance of exchange rate stabilization, saying it’s vital for DSO and energy sector performance.

In Summary

The CPI Oil and Gas Law Forum exposed the disconnect between policy intentions and ground realities in Nigeria’s energy sector. While the PIA 2021 has laid a significant legislative foundation, the consensus remains that implementation, equitable distribution, and strong governance are essential for truly realizing energy justice and security.

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