Energy Transition: NEITI Outlines Strategic Roles for MDAs

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has called on Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to commit fully to Nigeria’s energy transition, stressing that the nation’s success depends on clarity of roles and synergy across government institutions.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, made the appeal in Abuja at a roundtable on The Long-Term Impact of Energy Transition on Nigeria’s Economy. He underscored that the global shift from fossil fuels to renewables is “not optional but inevitable,” adding that it presents both a challenge and an opportunity for a country historically dependent on oil and gas.

Roles of Key Institutions

Dr. Orji outlined the responsibilities of critical MDAs in driving Nigeria’s transition:

• Petroleum Regulators: The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) were identified as frontline actors. Their mandate includes enforcing emission disclosures, mandating flare reduction technologies, regulating divestments in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, and ensuring new petroleum projects integrate renewable components.

• NNPCL: The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited must evolve from a traditional oil entity into a diversified energy player. Dr. Orji urged the company to invest in gas, petrochemicals, renewables, and technologies such as carbon capture and green hydrogen, while forging partnerships with clean energy investors.

• Finance Ministry: The Ministry of Finance, Budget, and National Planning was tasked with redesigning Nigeria’s fiscal framework for a post-oil economy. Tools such as green bonds, climate-linked fiscal instruments, and debt-for-climate swaps were recommended to secure financing for a just transition.

• Power Ministry: With responsibility for expanding renewable adoption and inclusive energy access, the Ministry of Power was urged to boost investments in solar, wind, and hydro, while strengthening grid infrastructure to absorb renewable flows.

• Environment Ministry: The Ministry of Environment was described as the anchor of Nigeria’s climate diplomacy, tasked with ensuring emission reductions, protecting host communities, and securing equitable access to global climate finance.

• Solid Minerals Development: With Nigeria’s abundance of minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, the ministry must ensure transparent licensing, community benefit agreements, and local value addition to position the country as a global clean energy supply chain player.

Supporting Voices

In goodwill remarks, Amb. Prof. Steve Ugbah, Federal Commissioner at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission, stressed that global energy transition trends pose risks and opportunities for Nigeria. He recommended new revenue allocation rules, the creation of a transition fund, and stronger data coordination.

Mr. Victor Muruako, Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, represented by Mr. Chris Nwaduka, pledged collaboration with NEITI to ensure transparency and accountability in managing Nigeria’s resources during the transition.

From the private sector, Mr. Vincent Ogbu, Lead Sustainability Analyst at NNPCL, explained that the company is identifying its emissions footprint and exploring new energy opportunities. He outlined three guiding principles: balancing transition with economic growth, expanding gas as a transition fuel, and ensuring locally grounded solutions tailored to Nigeria’s realities.

National Coordination

Ms. Jummai Vandu, Assistant Chief Chemical Engineer at the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), emphasized that the Energy Transition Plan is a national development strategy, not merely an environmental agenda. She affirmed NCCC’s role in coordinating a whole-of-government approach, highlighting that the transition affects finance, agriculture, oil and gas, power, and transportation.

A Defining Opportunity

Dr. Orji concluded that Nigeria’s path through the energy transition will require foresight, coordination, and deliberate action. With clear roles for each MDA, he noted, the country can leverage the shift as an opportunity for economic resilience, sustainability, and leadership in Africa’s green industrial future.