In a compelling call to action, Dr. Romanus Osabouhien, an academic researcher and energy expert from Covenant University, has urged the Nigerian Federal Government to fortify its political resolve and decisively tackle corruption to stabilize the nation’s fragile energy supply chain. His appeal highlights a critical path forward for a country paradoxically rich in resources yet plagued by energy insufficiency.
The call was made during a pre-launch news conference for his seminal book, “Energy Efficiency in Critical Times: Security, Economics, and Transition,” published by the globally renowned Elsevier. Dr. Osabouhien, also a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute for Energy Research (IEPRe) in Malaysia, positioned his work as a direct response to the profound global disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.
The Core Challenge: Beyond Infrastructure to Governance
Dr. Osabouhien’s argument centers on a fundamental truth: Nigeria’s energy crisis is not merely a technical or financial problem, but a governance one. “We need political will to make progress,” he asserted. “There is no justification for energy insufficiency in a country such as ours, which is blessed with diverse energy options such as solar, biomass and hydro.”
He identified curbing energy waste as a vital, low-hanging fruit for improving national efficiency. This waste occurs at multiple levels—from technical losses in aging transmission grids to inefficient consumption patterns in industries and homes. Addressing it requires not just investment, but robust policy frameworks, regulatory enforcement, and public awareness campaigns driven by unwavering political commitment.
A Blueprint for Transformation: Learning from Success
The expert offered a pragmatic blueprint for change, emphasizing that massive government expenditure is not the sole solution. “Government investment does not necessarily have to be excessive,” he noted. “Creating a conducive environment for investors would attract private capital into the energy sector.”
He pointed to the transformative liberalization of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector as a powerful precedent. Once characterized by chronic inefficiency and scarcity, the sector was revolutionized by regulatory reforms that unlocked private investment and innovation. “If the right environment is created,” Osabouhien stated, “today’s challenges will become tomorrow’s testimony.” This model suggests that for energy, the government’s primary role should be to establish clear rules, ensure contract sanctity, combat graft in procurement and licensing, and provide strategic incentives for renewable energy development.
The Book: A Guide for a Turbulent World
Reviewed by Prof. Evans Osabuohien of Covenant University, the book is described as providing a holistic perspective on energy policy from a global context. It meticulously analyzes how crises like pandemics and war expose vulnerabilities in interconnected energy systems, as seen when Russia’s role as a major supplier to Europe sent shockwaves worldwide.
The publication goes beyond diagnosis to offer analysis techniques and policy frameworks. Key sections focus on:
- Economic Policy for Energy Systems: How fiscal and monetary tools can drive efficiency.
- Technological Advancement: The integration of renewable energy and the rise of vehicle electrification.
- Energy Security & Cross-Border Trading: Building resilient supply chains in an unstable world.
- Needs of Lower-Income Countries: Tailored assessments that move beyond one-size-fits-all Western models.
Prof. Osabuohien concluded that the book serves as an essential guide for researchers, policymakers, and students navigating the complex journey toward a secure and sustainable energy future. Its publication underscores that achieving energy efficiency is a multifaceted endeavor demanding not just collaboration between the public and private sectors, but the decisive political will to turn Nigeria’s vast potential into a reliable reality.
