FUTIA Provost Addresses Global Energy Crisis at FIG World Congress in Cape Town

The Provost, School of Environmental Science Technology, Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Professor Reuben Okereke was among the Industry leaders and scholars from the Nigerian academia that attended the just successfully concluded 2026 World Congress of FIG (International Federation of Surveyors) held earlier from 23rd to 29th May, 2026, at Cape Town International Convention Center (CICC) Capetown, South Africa.

The FUTIA Provost was among the Resources persons selected in the world and among the few from Nigeria to present paper at the Conference segment of the World Congress.

In his paper presentation at the conference titled; “Unbundling Socio-Political Dynamics Underpinning the Nigerian Energy Crisis: a Case study of South – South and South - Eastern Nigeria”, Prof. Okereke disclosed that Nigeria is experiencing energy poverty as a result of her detrimental low income, high-energy costs, Low energy efficiency and developmental indices.

He called on government and investors to accelerate investment in renewable energy while academic institutions and research institutes should proffer research outputs and technologies that will improve energy solutions.

The Scholar in his presentation evaluated the dimensions of energy poverty in the national economy of Nigeria, assessed the dynamics of socio-political problems influencing energy sector efficiency in the country, explored the drivers of socio-political problems associated with energy sector crisis in Nigeria as well as develop and validate a framework for tackling the socio-political problems in the Nigerian energy enigma viz-a-viz Sustainable Energy Potentials of Nigeria

Prof. Okereke further presented Four paradox of Energy Crisis in Nigeria including; “Paradox 1: Abundant energy but little power ironically; Paradox 2: High prices but even higher costs; Paradox 3: Widespread but ineffective reform. Paradox 4: High expenditure but inadequate finance”. 

The scholar in his paper recommended among others, the need for consistent, transparent and effective government policies to ensure reliable energy supply; Strengthening institutions like National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and addressing corruption to foster a better managed energy sector. He also recommended raising awareness about energy consumption pattern and promoting energy efficient practices that can reduce energy cost and encourage sustainable energy usage. He added that encouraging international investors to support the energy sector through funding and expertise can help address Nigeria’s energy gap and foster long-term sector stability. 

The FUTIA Provost’s presentation was anchored on adopting institutional research approach to solving challenges hampering the smooth implementation of the the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals - Number 7; “Affordable and Clean Energy”. 

The world congress featured overseas educational Development, Study Tour, Knowledge-Sharing and Faculty Exchange Programme, Congresses and the General Assembly. 

The event themed: “The Future we want - The SDGs and beyond” presented the opportunities for Networking and global Partnership assisting participants to build strategic partnerships, explore collaborations, and share peer-to-peer research and institutional experiences.

The National President of Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, (NIQS), QS. Dr. Bashiru Aminu led the Nigerian delegation to the World Congress. The Deputy President of NIQS, QS Bamidele Mafimidiwo among others were in attendance.