From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition in the country.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the NEITI Board, Senator George Akume, have the assurance at the high-level retreat organised by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) in Umuahia, Abia State recently.
The retreat, supported by the Ford Foundation, brought together the NEITI National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) and senior management to review the agency’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and deliberate on the impact of global energy shifts on Nigeria’s economy.
Akume, who declared the event open, noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is focused on achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 without sidelining vulnerable communities or jeopardizing national development.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has embraced the National Energy Transition Policy as a strategic blueprint for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient energy future. Our goal is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 without leaving anyone behind—especially our rural and vulnerable communities,” the SGF stated.
Welcoming the delegation, Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, described their choice of Umuahia as a vote of confidence in the state’s reform-driven leadership. He pledged Abia’s full alignment with NEITI’s transparency standards and showcased the state’s efforts in energy innovation and responsible resources.
He said: “Poverty and wealth are often a function of how natural resources are harnessed and distributed. Where extractives are exploited responsibly and revenue is transparently and equitably applied, prosperity follows. NEITI has emerged as one of the key institutions working to correct past wrongs and institutionalize transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s resource governance.”
The Governor also highlighted Abia’s efforts in preparing for the future of energy, including:
Installation of thousands of solar-powered streetlights to extend economic activity and improve public safety; training hundreds of young people in solar installation and renewable energy systems; and ongoing development of a 10,000 barrels/day modular refinery and an Industrial and Innovation Park in Ukwa West, among others.
He urged NEITI to support subnational governments in building transparent, value-driven ecosystems, while also advocating for a fair compensation model for host communities.
The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Orji, explained that the retreat is a serious working session, convened at a time of major global shifts.
Orji added that the retreat will also review NEITI’s strategic priorities and operational plans, while forging new pathways for collaboration with state governments, particularly in extractive governance and tax transparency.
According to him, “The world is moving rapidly from fossil fuels to low-carbon alternatives. For Nigeria, this transition presents complex fiscal, social, and structural challenges, but also unique opportunities to diversify our economy and build resilience. That’s why NEITI, under NSWG guidance, commissioned a national study to inform policy with credible data.”