The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has sounded a critical warning to the Federal Government, urging immediate action to establish a strong energy transition policy that ensures a smooth shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
Speaking on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at a CEOs/Media Roundtable in Abuja, NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said the transition is “inevitable but dangerous if poorly managed.”
Presenting the interim report of an ongoing study on the impact of the transition on Nigeria’s economy, Dr. Orji revealed that the shift threatens jobs, infrastructure, host communities, and government revenues.
“For Nigeria, this transition is no longer an option; it’s inevitable. But if not properly managed, it could double the existing energy poverty in the country,” he warned.
Currently, 86 million Nigerians lack access to reliable electricity, and NEITI fears that without proper planning, the number could rise.
However, Dr. Orji stressed that the transition also presents opportunities for innovation, diversification, and economic repositioning. He explained that the study, supported by the Ford Foundation, is part of NEITI’s broader policy on climate change, energy transition, and environmental accountability.
The NEITI boss emphasized that Nigeria and other resource-dependent nations must demand equal access to climate finance and technology transfer, arguing that Africa contributes the least to global emissions yet suffers the most from climate burdens.
He urged media, civil society, industry players, and government stakeholders to play their roles:
- Media: Investigate, amplify findings, and simplify reports for public understanding.
- Civil Society: Mobilize citizens to demand transparency and defend vulnerable groups.
- Industry Players: Balance profitability with sustainability.
- Government: Drive reforms and align with global commitments.
The Alternate Chair of the NEITI Board, Ambassador Matthew Adoli, described the transition as a survival issue for gas-dependent economies like Nigeria, adding that the approved study will deepen national understanding and guide policy.
Similarly, Tengi George Ikoli, Country Manager of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), called for inclusivity, stressing that women, youth, and local communities must not be excluded from transition policies.
NEITI affirmed that the final report will inform reforms, strengthen Nigeria’s voice in global debates, and empower citizens to hold authorities and companies accountable for transition commitments.
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