The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to commit fully to the nation’s energy transition agenda, stressing that Nigeria’s ability to navigate the process successfully depends on clarity of roles and synergy among stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, made this appeal at a Roundtable on The Long-Term Impact of Energy Transition on Nigeria’s Economy, held today in Abuja.
Dr. Orji described the global shift from fossil fuels to renewables as an inevitability that demands foresight, coordination, and deliberate action. He emphasised that for an economy long tied to oil and gas, the transition presents both challenges and unique opportunities.
The NEITI Executive Secretary outlined the specific responsibilities of various institutions in advancing Nigeria’s transition:
Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources & NUPRC: Ensure petroleum operations align with decarbonisation goals, enforce emissions disclosure, promote flare reduction technologies, regulate divestments under the Petroleum Industry Act, and mandate renewable integration in new projects.
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL): Transform from a traditional oil company into a diversified energy leader by investing in gas, petrochemicals, renewables, and clean technologies such as carbon capture and green hydrogen. Strategic global partnerships and profit reallocation to renewable ventures were highlighted as key drivers.
Ministry of Finance, Budget & National Planning: Reengineer Nigeria’s revenue framework for a post-oil reality by integrating climate financing into annual budgets, creating sustainability-linked fiscal instruments, and mobilising international climate funds. Tools such as green bonds, debt-for-climate swaps, and prudent fiscal reforms were recommended.
Ministry of Power: Expand renewable energy adoption and inclusive access, prioritise investments in solar, wind, and hydro projects, incentivise private sector participation, and strengthen grid infrastructure to absorb renewable flows.
Ministry of Environment: Anchor climate diplomacy, safeguard host communities, ensure environmental justice, monitor Nigeria’s carbon inventory, and represent the nation in international climate negotiations to secure fair climate finance.
Ministry of Solid Minerals Development: Harness Nigeria’s lithium, cobalt, and nickel reserves sustainably, ensure transparent licensing, enforce community agreements, and promote domestic refining to position Nigeria as a clean energy supply chain hub.
Other Contributions In goodwill messages Prof. Steve Ugbah, Federal Commissioner representing the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), noted that the global transition poses both risks and opportunities for Nigeria. He recommended adopting transition-sensitive revenue allocation rules, establishing a transition and decommissioning fund, and institutionalising scenario-based forecasting.
Mr. Victor Muruako, Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), represented by Mr. Chris Nwaduka, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to work with NEITI in promoting transparency, accountability, and prudence in resource management.
Mr. Vincent Ogbu, Lead Sustainability Analyst at NNPCL, explained that the company’s strategy is guided by three principles: commitment to transition without undermining growth, recognition of gas as a transition fuel, and locally grounded solutions tailored to Nigeria’s realities.
Ms. Jummai Vandu, Assistant Chief Chemical Engineer representing the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), stressed that the Net Zero and Energy Transition Plan is not just an environmental target but a national development strategy. She noted that the NCCC coordinates climate action across all sectors—finance, agriculture, oil & gas, power, and transportation.
NEITI reaffirmed its commitment to providing guidance and monitoring to ensure that the energy transition supports Nigeria’s long-term economic stability and sustainability.
