Our team is made up of experts with diverse expertise and competences in research and project implementation. 

UDUAK AKPAN holds a B.Sc. in Statistics from University of Uyo, Nigeria; an M.Sc. in Energy Studies with specialization in Energy Economics (with Distinction) from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and a PhD in Development Economics from SOAS University of London, United Kingdom. Uduak has consulted for several organizations including ILC Africa and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Mr. Akpan is a member of professional organization like the British Institute of Energy Economics, International Input-Output Association, Energy Institute, African Econometrics Society, Council for Renewable Energy in Nigeria etc. His research interests include energy access, rural electrification planning, among others.

Some of Uduak’s research outputs are listed below:

  • Akpan, U. (2015) Technology Options for Increasing Electricity Access in Areas with Low Electricity Access Rate in Nigeria. Socio-economic Planning Sciences. 51, pp. 1 – 12. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/1016/j.seps.2015.05.001
  • Akpan, U., Green, O., Bhattacharyya, S., & Isihak, S. (2015) Effect of Technology Change on CO2 Emissions in Japan’s Industrial Sectors in the period 1995-2005: An Input-Output Structural Decomposition Analysis. Environmental and Resource Economics, 61 (2), pp. 165-189. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10640-014-9787-7
  • Akpan, U. (2014) Impact of Regional Road Infrastructure Improvement on Intra-Regional Trade in ECOWAS. African Development Review, 26 (S1) 64-76. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8268.12093
  • Akpan, U., Essien, M., & Isihak, S. (2013) Impact of Rural Electrification on Rural Micro-enterprises in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Energy for Sustainable Development, 17, 504-509. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2013.06.004
  • Amos, E., Akpan, U., Ogunjobi, K.  (2015) Households’ Perception and Livelihood Vulnerability to Climate Change in a Coastal Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 17 (4), 887-908. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10668-014-9580-3
  • Isihak, S., Akpan, U., & Adeleye, M. (2012) Interventions for Mitigating Indoor Air-Pollution in Nigeria: A Cost-Benefit Analysis. International Journal of Energy Sector Management, 6 (3), 417-429. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17506221211259655
  • Akpan, U., Isihak, S., & Udoakah, Y. Electricity Access in Nigeria: Viability of Off-grid Photovoltaic System. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) African Conference, 9 – 12th September, 2013, Mauritius. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/AFRCON.2013.6757778
  • Akpan, U., Isihak, S., & Asongu S. (2014) Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Fast-Growing Economies: A Study of BRICS and MINT. African Growth and Development Institute (AGDI)/MPRA Working Paper: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2493410

Uduak may contacted via u.akpan@spidersolutionsnigeria.com 

SALISU R. ISIHAK is an External Consultant  (and Principal Research Associate) with SPIDER Solutions Nigeria. He holds a BSc. (Ed) in Economics (First Class Honours) from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto; an M.Sc. Energy Economics (with Distinction) from University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and a PhD in Sustainable Energy Development from De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom. He has experience in academia, research, financial and energy sector. Mr. Isihak has received several research grants and is a member of World Petroleum Council UK Youth Committee. He was invited as Technical Speaker at the 14th and 15th Nigerian Oil and Gas Conference and presented papers in many international conferences.  Mr. Isihak is a member of several professional organizations including Energy Institute, British Institute of Energy Economics and International Association for Energy Economics amongst others. His research interest is in energy economics, energy access in developing countries, and environmental impact of energy use.

Some of his published works are:

  • Akpan, U., Isihak, S., & Udoakah, Y. Electricity Access in Nigeria: Viability of Off-grid Photovoltaic System. (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) African Conference, 9 – 12th September, 2013, Mauritius. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/AFRCON.2013.6757778
  • Isihak, S.,Akpan, U.,&Adeleye, M. (2012) Interventions for Mitigating Indoor Air-Pollution in Nigeria: A Cost-Benefit Analysis. International Journal of Energy Sector Management, 6 (3), 417-429. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/17506221211259655
  • Akpan, U., Essien, M., & Isihak, S. (2013) Impact of Rural Electrification on Rural Micro-enterprises in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Energy for Sustainable Development, 17, 504-509. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.esd.2013.06.004
  • Akpan, U., Green, O., Bhattacharyya, S., & Isihak, S. (2015) Effect of Technology Change on CO2 Emissions in Japan’s Industrial Sectors in the period 1995-2005: An Input-Output Structural Decomposition Analysis. Environmental and Resource Economics, 61 (2), pp. 165-189.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10640-014-9787-7
  • Isihak, S. & Akpan, U. (2012) “A Roadmap for Restructuring Petroleum Products Subsidies inNigeria” Readings in Management Studies, Volume 4, 64-81.
  • Akpan, U., Isihak, S., & Asongu S. (2014) Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment to Fast-Growing Economies: A Study of BRICS and MINT. African Growth and Development Institute (AGDI)/MPRA Working Paper: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2493410

Mr. Isihak can be contacted via: s.isihak@spidersolutionsnigeria.com ;

YE-OBONG UDOAKAH holds a B.Eng. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from the University of Uyo, Nigeria and an M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Systems from Queen Mary, University of London, United Kingdom. He has served in the industry as a design engineer and has been involved in many projects across the country and he is a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He is currently an Academic staff of the department of Electrical/Electronic & Computer Engineering, University of Uyo where he is involved in teaching and research. Mr Udoakah’s research interest is in the areas of Sustainable electrical power systems, renewable energy integration, Smart grid and distributed generation. He is a member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and has presented papers in several IEEE international conferences.

Some of his research outputs are listed below:

  •  Udoakah Y-O. N. & Umoh, M. D. Sustainably meeting the energy needs of Nigeria: The renewable options. Energy Conference (ENERGYCON), 2014 IEEE International, May 13-16, 2014, Dubrovnik, Croatia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/ENERGYCON.2014.6850447
  • Udoakah Y-O. N., Nta, E.E., Okon, I.E., Akpabio, U.E. Design of a 1 kVA PV system for electrical laboratory in Faculty of Engineering, University of Uyo, Nigeria. Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC) October 10 – 13, 2014, Silicon Valley – San Jose, California, USA. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/1109/GHTC.2014.6970252
  • Udoakah, Y. & Akpan, U. A Sustainable Approach to Municipal Solid Waste Management in Southern Nigeria. Institute of Electrical Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Global Humanitarian Technology Conference (GHTC) October 20 – 23, 2013, Silicon Valley – San Jose, California, USA. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/GHTC.2013.6713704
  • Akpan, U., Isihak, S., & Udoakah, Y. Electricity Access in Nigeria: Viability of Off-grid Photovoltaic System. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) African Conference, 9 – 12th September, 2013, Mauritius. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/AFRCON.2013.6757778

and may be contacted via: yeobongudoakah@yahoo.co.uk

SANUSI OHIARE is an External Consultant with SPIDER Solutions Nigeria. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the University of Jos, Nigeria, an M.Sc. in Energy Studies with Specialization in Energy Finance from University of Dundee, United Kingdom, and a Ph.D in Rural Energy Development from De Montfort University, Leicester, United Kingdom. Dr. Ohiare’s has extensive research experience in Energy Access, Energy Finance, and Rural Electrification. He is currently the Executive Director, Rural Electrification Fund, Rural Electrification Agency in Nigeria. He is a member of the International Association of Energy Economists (IAEE), Nigerian Association of Energy Economists (NAEE), and Society for Petroleum Engineers (SPE) among others. Some of his research outputs are listed below:

  • Ohiare, S. (2015) Expanding electricity access to all in Nigeria: a spatial planning and cost analysis. Energy, Sustainability and Society, 5 (8), pp. xx-xx. http://rd.springer.com/article/10.1186%2Fs13705-015-0037-9
  • Bhattacharyya, S.C. and Ohiare, S.M. (2012) The Chinese electricity access model for rural electrification: Approach, experience and lessons for others. Energy Policy, Volume 49, October 2012, Pages 676-687
  • Ohiare, S.M. and Soile, I.O., (2012) Financing Rural Energy projects in China: Lessons for Nigeria. International Journal of Financial Research, vol.3 no.4 October, 2012
  • Bhattacharyya, S.C. and Ohiare, S.M. (2013). The Chinese Model for Rural electrification and Electricity Access. In: Bhattacharyya, S. (Ed.). Rural Electrification through Decentralized Off-grid Systems in Developing Countries. London: Springer. XII, 297 p.49 (Textbook chapter)

Dr. Ohiare may be contacted via: kadrag@yahoo.com

MONICA MADUEKWE is an External Consultant with SPIDER Solutions Nigeria. She holds a B.Tech in Agricultural Extension from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria and an M.Sc. in Energy Studies with specialization in Energy and Environment (with distinction) from University of Dundee, United Kingdom. Monica has extensive international experience in the energy sector having worked as a Regional Coordinator for the Global Environment Facility (GEF)  of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Strategic Program for West Africa (SPWA) – Energy Component. She has also worked as a project staff for the regional project on ‘Supporting Energy Efficiency for Access in West Africa (SEEA-WA). Moreover, she has executed consultancy jobs for UNIDO: she developed the GEF-UNIDO project document for the GEF 5 project in The Gambia and she is experienced in executing the various aspects of clean energy development: policy formulation; capacity building; awareness raising and advocacy; and investment promotion and business development. Presently, Ms. Maduekwe is a Gender and Energy expert at the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), working as the Coordinator for the ECOWAS Programme for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access (ECOW-GEN), a programme she established, and is currently overseeing the development of the pioneering ECOWAS Gender and Energy Policy. Monica has extensive research experience and has attended and presented papers in several international conferences.

She may be contacted at monicamaduekwe@yahoo.com; mmaduekwe@ecreee.org 

SIMPLICE ASONGU is an External Consultant with SPIDER Solutions Nigeria. He holds a Bachelor and Master degree in Management Sciences from Universities of Dschang and Yaoundé II, Cameroun respectively. He also holds an Advanced Master in Financial Risk Management, Doctoral Training Certificate (Research Degree) from HEC-Management School, University of Liège, Belgium and a Ph.D. in Economics from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom. A prolific researcher, Dr. Asongu has more than 200 research articles of which more than 115 are published and forthcoming. He is ranked by IDEAS as being in the top 5% of world economists based on number of works, number of distinct works etc.; among the top 10% of authors in the field of Africa; and among the top-ten Young Economist in the world with less then 10 years research experience. He is also the founder and lead economist of the African Governance and Development Institute (AfriDev) which is ranked among the top twenty economic research departments or institutes in Africa. Mr. Asongu has provided refereeing services to over twenty international journals, and consultancy services to several institutions including the African Development Bank. He may be contacted via: asongus@afridev.org

OMOTOLA AWOJOBI is an External Consultant with SPIDER Solutions Nigeria. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics from University of Jos, Nigeria, an M.Sc. in Banking and Finance from Eastern Mediterranean University, Northern Cyprus, and a Ph.D. in Public Economics from University of Northern Cyprus. He has worked as a Trainer, Program on Investment Appraisal, John Deutsche International Executive Programme (JDIEP), Queen’s University, Canada where he provided support for evaluation of projects on Nutrition Interventions for USAID/FtF Program in Uganda and Rwanda by the United States Agency for International Development and has also provided consultancy services in Project Appraisal to the African Development Bank. Dr.. Awojobi is member of several professional organizations including Chattered Institute of Bankers, Nigeria, and Institute of Canadian Bankers and has carried out several research works including:

  • • Were the hydro dams financed by the World Bank from 1976 to 2005 worthwhile? Published in Energy Policy, Volume 86 , pp. 222–232, 2015. (with Glenn Jenkins)
  • • Microfinancing for Poverty Reduction and Economic Development published in International Research Journal of Finance and Economics, Issue 72, pp. 159-168, 2011.
  • • Does Openness Foster Growth: An Empirical Study of the Greek Economy. Published in International Journal of Social Economics, Vol.40, Issue 6, 2013.
  • • Analysing Risk Management in Banks: Evidence of Bank Efficiency and Macroeconomic Impact. Published in Journal of Money, Investment and Banking, Issue 22, 2011
  • • Microfinancing for Poverty Reduction and Economic Development: A Case of Nigeria, Presented at the International Conference on Banking and Finance Perspective, North Cyprus. April, 2011.
  • • A Diagnostic Study on Cost Overruns in Construction of Hydropower Dams. Paper presented at the 2013 Annual Conference of the Society for Benefit-Cost Society, Washington D.C, USA.
  • • A Cost – Effective Analysis of Treating Acutely Malnourished Children with Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods. Paper presented at the 2013 Annual Conference of the Society for Benefit-Cost Society, Washington D.C, USA. Co-author Glenn Jenkins.

He may be contacted via: omotola.awojobi@gmail.com 

ONDOTIMI SONGI is an External Consultant with SPIDER Solutions Nigeria. He is Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Ondotimi holds Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria, an LL.M degree in Natural Resources Law and Policy (with distinction) from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, and is currently doing his PhD in the University of Dundee, United Kingdom which examines community benefit sharing in energy projects. His research interests span areas of international energy and natural resources law and policy, international environmental law, international human rights law, and anti-corruption law including an interface among these specialisations. He is involved with charities such as The Olive-Child Foundation where he works a Child Rights Officer, and Hope Cells Nigeria as Founder and Executive Director, and was Volunteer Speaker for Save the Children UK. He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); International Bar Association (IBA); Association of International Petroleum Negotiators (AIPN); Energy Institute (EI); Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE); Scottish, Lagos and Ghana Oil Clubs; and an Expert International Member of the Guinea Mining Club. Some of his research outputs are listed below:

  • Ondotimi Songi (2015) “Defining a Path for Benefit-Sharing Arrangements for Local Communities in Natural Resource Development in Nigeria: The Foundations, Trusts and Funds (FTFs) Model”, Journal of Energy and Natural Resources Law, 33 (2), pp. 147-170. DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02646811.2015.1022428
  • Engobo Emeseh and Ondotimi Songi (2014) “CSR, Human Rights Abuse and Sustainability Report Accountability”, International Journal of Law and Management, 56(2), pp.136 – 151
  • Ondotimi Songi (2014) “The Regime for Decommissioning Ghana’s Offshore Hydrocarbon Facilities”, Oil, Gas and Energy Law (OGEL), Vol. 2, Issue 1
  • Ondotimi Songi (2013) “Project-Affected Communities/Landowners and the Distribution of Benefits in Shale Gas Development: United States’ Regime to the Rescue?” Petroleum Technology Development Journal (PTDJ): An International Journal, 3(2), pp.88 – 101
  • Ayesha Dias and Ondotimi Songi (2012) “Sustainable Development for Communities Hosting Extractive Industry Activities: All is Far from Fair”, Oil, Gas and Energy Law (OGEL), Vol. 10, Issue 3
  • Ondotimi Songi (2011) “Current Legal Regime Governing the Arctic Region and Investment by Oil and Gas Companies”, Oil, Gas and Energy Law (OGEL), Vol. 9, Issue 1

Ondotimi may be contacted via ondotimisongi@yahoo.com

CHINWE EKENE EZEIGBO is an External Consultant with SPIDER Solutions Nigeria. She  holds a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) from Anambra State University, Nigeria; an LL.M degree (with merit) in Energy Law and Policy from University of Dundee, United Kingdom; and a PhD from University of Queensland, Australia. Chinwe is presently working with the Central Land Council in Australia as a Sustainable Mining Expert. She was part of the 2022 cohort of the World Bank Group’s Africa Fellow Program.  Previously, Dr. Ezeigbo worked as the monitoring and evaluation officer for the Facility for Oil Sector Transparency and Reform in Nigeria (FOSTER), a DFID funded project targeting oil sector policy issues in Nigeria managed by Oxford Policy Management Ltd. Prior to her role at FOSTER, Chinwe worked on research projects for the Disaster Law programme of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies(IFRC), Switzerland and had a brief stint at the Compliance department of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Bonn, Germany. Chinwe has extensive research experience and was recently awarded the prestigious Steve Weston’s Essay prize for outstanding essays on energy issues. Chinwe’s research interests span across oil and gas policy, renewable energy, gender, and climate governance.

Some of Chinwe’s research outputs are listed below

– Chinwe Ekene Ezeigbo, Unconventional Gas Resources: Investment Challenges: Legal Challenges in the Investment and Development of Unconventional Gas Resources, Published by Lambert Academic Publishing (LAP), 2012. http://www.amazon.com/Unconventional-Gas-Resources-Investment-Development/dp/3659286028 Chinwe Ekene Ezeigbo, Gas Storage: A Reliable Mechanism for Ensuring Security of Supply in the UK? Published in CEPMLP Annual Review – CAR Volume 15 (2013). http://www.dundee.ac.uk/cepmlp/gateway/index.php?news=32331 Chinwe Ekene Ezeigbo, Discuss whether the implementation of the EITI by developed nations and the EU’s transparency related initiatives, such as Chapter 10 of the Directive 2013/34 EC, will help or hinder the sustainable development of resource rich nations, award winning essay for Steve Weston Essay competition 2013, published on the University of Dundee website. CE Ezeigbo Steve Weston Essay 2013.pdf

Chinwe may be contacted at Ezeigbo.ce@gmail.com 

NDIFREKE UDOH is an External Consultant with SPIDER Solutions Nigeria. He holds a B.Eng in Civil Engineering from the University of Uyo, Nigeria and an MSc in Geotechnics (With Distinction) jointly from the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow, United Kingdom. He has industry experience and is currently an Academic staff of the department of Civil Engineering, University of Uyo where he is involved in teaching and research. Mr Udoh’s interests include sustainability in Infrastructure development, environmental management (Pollution, Geotechnics, and ground improvement) and alternative construction materials. He is a member of several professional bodies including the British Geotechnical Association and Society of Petroleum Engineers.