From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The federal government has adopted the National Energy Transition Policy, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2060 through a just and inclusive energy transition. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and NEITI Board Chairman, announced this at the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Board retreat in Umuahia, Abia State.
The retreat, themed “Assessing Energy Transition on Nigeria’s Economy”, aligns with Abia’s transformative governance, Akume noted. He stressed a balanced approach to the global shift, prioritising revenue protection, job retention, energy security, gender equity, and citizen-focused 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,” Akume stated.
Abia Governor Alex Otti praised NEITI for hosting the retreat in Umuahia, a sign of confidence in Abia’s reform-oriented governance. “Poverty and wealth are often a function of how natural resources are harnessed and distributed. Where extractives are exploited responsibly and revenue is transparently applied, prosperity follows,” Otti said. He noted Abia’s ABTAN Energy Ltd, a joint venture with the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and private investors, which will adopt NEITI’s reporting framework to ensure transparency and benefit host communities.
NEITI Executive Secretary Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji described the retreat as a critical working session, the first east of the Niger in NEITI’s 20-year history. “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,” he said. The retreat reviewed NEITI’s strategic priorities and a national study on energy transition impacts.
Gilbert Makore, Regional Director for Africa at the EITI International Secretariat, commended NEITI’s timely data on extractive industries. “NEITI’s work is fully aligned with EITI’s mission to promote transparency, reduce poverty, and support national development through impactful reforms,” he said. Other speakers, including Godwin Okpene and Dr Erisa Danladi Sarki, emphasised a just and inclusive transition for women, youth, and marginalised groups.
Supported by the Ford Foundation, the retreat gathered NEITI’s National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) and senior management to discuss energy transition research and strategic alignment under NEITI’s five-year plan.