Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji Executive Secretary of NEITI
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has appealed to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to commit to energy transition process, itemised their strategic roles in steering Nigeria through the energy transition, says the ability of Nigeria to navigate it successfully rests largely on the clarity of roles and synergy among MDAs.
The appeal was made by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji at a Roundtable today in Abuja on the Long-Term Impact of Energy Transition on Nigeria’s Economy organised by NEITI.
Executive Secretary stated that this global shift from fossil fuels to renewables is not optional for us, it is an inevitability that demands foresight, coordination, and deliberate action. For a nation whose economy has long been tied to oil and gas, this transition is both a challenge and a unique opportunity.
In itemising the different roles of the agencies, Dr Orji highlighted: “The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission occupy a frontline position in this process. As custodians of upstream oil and gas regulation, their role is to ensure that petroleum operations progressively align with decarbonisation objectives. This includes enforcing strict disclosure of emissions, compelling companies to adopt flare reduction technologies, and regulating divestments in line with the Petroleum Industry Act. By insisting on transparency in licensing and mandating that new petroleum projects incorporate renewable integration, these institutions can position Nigeria’s oil and gas sector on a more sustainable path”.
According to Dr Orji: “The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited equally bears a transformative responsibility. No longer should the NNPC be seen as a traditional oil company, but as a diversified energy player capable of driving Nigeria’s energy future. It must channel investment into gas, petrochemicals, and renewables, while embracing technologies for carbon capture and green hydrogen. Through strategic partnerships with global clean energy investors and the gradual reallocation of profits into renewable ventures, the company can lead the rebranding of Nigeria’s energy profile from oil dependence to diversified resilience”.
The NEITI Boss affirmed that: “The Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning stands at the heart of fiscal transformation. Nigeria’s revenue framework must be reengineered to reflect a post-oil reality. This means mainstreaming climate financing into annual budgets, designing sustainability-linked fiscal instruments, and actively mobilising international climate funds to ease the transition burden. Through innovative tools such as green bonds, debt-for-climate swaps, and prudent fiscal planning, this Ministry can provide the financial backbone for Nigeria’s just transition”.
“The Ministry of Power also holds the key to unlocking access to affordable, reliable, and clean electricity. Expanding renewable energy adoption and ensuring inclusive energy access are its twin responsibilities. Investments in off-grid solar, wind, and hydro projects, backed by incentives for private sector involvement, will help bridge the energy poverty gap. Strengthening grid infrastructure to absorb renewable energy flows is equally urgent. In this way, the Ministry of Power will ensure that the transition improves lives rather than deepening inequalities”. The Executive Secretary reiterated.
Emphasising the effects on environment, the Ministry of Environment must be the anchor of Nigeria’s climate diplomacy and environmental accountability. As custodian of our emission reduction commitments, it must safeguard host communities, ensure environmental justice, and track Nigeria’s carbon inventory transparently. By integrating emissions monitoring into national reporting and leading Nigeria’s voice at international climate negotiations, the Ministry can secure fair treatment and equitable access to global climate finance, ensuring that Africa is not left behind.
Dr Orji noted that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is emerging as a pivotal actor, the ministry must harness these resources sustainably to position our country as a key player in the clean energy supply chain. “The minerals required for renewable technologies; lithium, cobalt, and nickel are abundant in Nigeria. Transparent licensing, stronger community agreements, and local value addition through domestic refining must be the hallmarks of this sector. By doing so, Nigeria can avoid the mistakes of oil dependency while leveraging solid minerals as a catalyst for green industrialisation”. The Executive Secretary reaffirmed.
The Chairman, Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, represented by the Federal Commissioner, Amb Prof Steve Ugbah in his goodwill message stated that the global energy transition marked by declining fossil fuel demand, accelerating renewable energy adoption, and international commitments to net-zero emissions pose significant risks and opportunities for Nigeria.
Prof. Steve Ugbah made some recommendations which includes adopting a transition-sensitive revenue allocation rules; establish transition and decommissioning fund; provide conditional diversification grants; institutionalize scenario-based forecasting; enhance data transparency and coordination.
The Chairman, Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Mr. Victor Muruako represented by the Special Adviser, Mr Chris Nwaduka in his goodwill message at the roundtable expressed the FRC commitment to work with NEITI as an agency established to promote transparency, accountability and prudence in the management of the nation’s resources.
The Head Sustainability at the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) represented by the Lead Sustainability Analyst, Mr Vincent Ogbu explained that NNPCL is playing a pivotal role in helping to identify emissions footprint while also uncovering new energy opportunities that can be leveraged to tap into the rapidly emerging energy landscape.
Mr. Ogbu highlighted that three core principles are guiding the NNPCL’s approach. First, while the company is firmly committed to energy transition, it believes the shift must not come at the expense of economic growth or sustainability, an essential consideration within its mandate. Secondly, NNPCL recognizes gas as a vital transition fuel and is dedicated to expanding its gas footprint while reducing emissions, particularly methane and flaring. Finally, the company stresses that its energy transition solutions must be locally grounded, reflecting Nigeria’s unique context, rather than simply adopting global narratives.
The Director General, National Council on Climate Change, Mrs. Omotenioye Majekodunmi represented by the Assistant Chief Chemical Engineer, Ms Jummai Vandu stressed that Net Zero target, and Energy Transition Plan is not just a target or it’s a national development strategy, and the responsibility of the National Council on Climate Change is to secure coordination across government, so it has a whole of government strategy to coordinate climate action across the territorial boundary of Nigeria.
Ms Jummai Vandu expressed the NCCC commitment to the coordination of Energy Transition, affirmed that Energy transition is not just an environmental issue. It touches finance, agriculture, oil & gas, power, and transportation, which are all vital to decarbonizing Nigeria’s economy.
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