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By Correspondent in Sango-Ota.
An energy expert, Dr. Romanus Osabuohien, has urged the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger political will and intensify efforts to curb corruption as critical steps toward boosting and stabilising Nigeria’s energy supply chain.
Osabuohien made the appeal on Wednesday during the pre-launch press conference of his book, Energy Efficiency in Critical Times: Security, Economics, and Transition, held at Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.
He explained that the energy supply chain encompasses the entire sequence of activities involved in producing, converting, transporting, and delivering energy to end users, from resource discovery to final consumption, stressing that weaknesses at any stage undermine national energy security.
According to him, the idea for the book was inspired by the global disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war, both of which significantly exposed vulnerabilities in global energy supply chains.
“Russia’s position as a major energy supplier to Europe and other parts of the world revealed just how fragile the global energy system can be,” he said.
“The focus of the book is to examine how critical events such as pandemics and wars disrupt energy supply chains, and to explore practical measures for mitigating such challenges.”
Osabuohien described the book as timely, noting that its publication by Elsevier, a globally renowned academic publisher, confers international credibility on the work.
He lamented Nigeria’s persistent energy challenges despite its abundant energy resources.
“We need political will to make progress. There is no justification for energy insufficiency in a country blessed with diverse energy options such as solar, biomass and hydro,” he said.
The scholar emphasised that government investment in the sector does not necessarily have to be excessive, adding that creating a conducive environment would attract private sector participation and capital.
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s telecommunications revolution, he said similar reforms could transform the energy sector.
“If the right environment is created, today’s challenges will become tomorrow’s testimony,” he added.
In his remarks, Prof. Evans Osabuohien, Professor of Economics at Covenant University, described Dr. Romanus Osabuohien as focused, committed, and eager to learn, qualities he said were clearly reflected in the depth and relevance of the publication.
He noted that the book offers a holistic global perspective on energy policy analysis and development, covering economic, security, and technological dimensions.
According to him, sections of the book examine economic policy frameworks for energy systems and assess the impact of policy on technological advancements, including vehicle electrification and renewable energy integration.
Prof. Osabuohien further explained that the publication demonstrates analytical techniques for evaluating major global events, including the far-reaching implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, as well as issues surrounding cross-border energy trade.
He added that through cutting-edge analysis and close assessment of the unique challenges facing lower-income countries, the book provides researchers, policymakers, and students with an essential guide to energy policy for a secure and sustainable future.
Edited by Dada Ahmed
