An Associate Professor of International Environmental Law whose research focuses on environmental justice, climate law and natural resource governance in Africa will speak at the Energies 3.0 Conference, a virtual international event running from April 22 to 24, 2026.
The conference, organised by the Green Institute of Nigeria, runs daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM online. Registration is open at www.greeninstitute.ng/energies2026.
Dr. Eghosa Ekhator teaches at the University of Derby in the United Kingdom, where he also serves as Co-Lead of the International Environmental and Human Rights Law Research Cluster, advancing interdisciplinary research on sustainability and global justice. He is a qualified Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, holding an LLB from the University of Benin and an LLM and PhD in Law from the University of Hull. His research sits at the intersection of environmental justice, energy transitions, human rights and climate litigation, with a strong focus on developing countries. His work has been cited by international organisations and government bodies.
Asked how resource-rich African countries can ensure that the energy transition does not repeat historical patterns of environmental injustice, Dr. Ekhator said the answer starts with political will.
“African countries must ensure that they exhibit the political will to enforce laws and policies on energy transition and allied areas,” he said.
He said host communities and other relevant stakeholders must be consulted throughout the entire cycle of energy transition projects, and that their views must be built into the laws and policies that govern those projects.
“Views of relevant stakeholders must be mainstreamed in energy transition laws and policies in Africa,” he said.
On the accountability mechanisms needed to ensure corporations uphold energy justice principles, Dr. Ekhator directed his argument squarely at multinational corporations operating on the continent.
“Multinational corporations must ensure that their activities do not lead to environmental or energy injustices in African countries,” he said, adding that they must incorporate the various dimensions of energy justice into their operations.
He said international standards already exist and must be honoured.
“MNCs must live up to their obligations arising from various international or global standards such as the UNGPs and other due diligence commitments. MNCs must respect the laws,” he said.
Well said Prof !