The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has launched a weeklong strategic retreat and board meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, aimed at reviewing its national energy transition strategy, deepening reform efforts, and strengthening partnerships with state governments to improve natural resource governance and boost domestic revenue. Supported by the Ford Foundation, the event brings together NEITI’s National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) and senior management to deliberate on ongoing research about the impact of energy transition on Nigeria’s economy and to evaluate the implementation of its five-year strategic plan.

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the NEITI Board, formally opened the retreat by affirming the Federal Government’s commitment to a just and inclusive energy transition under the newly adopted National Energy Transition Policy. He stressed the need for an evidence-based approach that prioritizes economic development, revenue protection, job security, gender equity, and energy access, particularly for vulnerable populations. According to Akume, President Bola Tinubu’s administration envisions a greener, more resilient energy future and is targeting net-zero emissions by 2060 without marginalizing rural communities.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State welcomed the NEITI delegation, describing their presence in Umuahia as a sign of confidence in the state’s reform-driven governance. He acknowledged Nigeria’s historical failure to maximize the benefits of its natural resource wealth but expressed optimism that institutions like NEITI are helping to reverse that trend through transparency and accountability. Governor Otti pointed to initiatives such as the establishment of ABTAN Energy Ltd—a joint venture between the Abia State Government, the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), and private investors—as a model for responsible resource management. He pledged that ABTAN’s operations would comply fully with NEITI’s reporting standards, ensuring that all stakeholders, including host communities, benefit from extractive activities.

The governor also outlined key initiatives aimed at positioning Abia for the evolving energy landscape. These include the installation of thousands of solar-powered streetlights, the training of young people in renewable energy skills, the development of a 10,000 barrels-per-day modular refinery, and the creation of an Industrial and Innovation Park in Ukwa West. Additionally, the state is assessing proposals for the development of solid mineral resources such as kaolin, limestone, and granite. He called on NEITI to support states in building transparent governance systems and advocated for equitable compensation models for resource-bearing communities.

NEITI Executive Secretary Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji emphasized the strategic importance of the retreat, noting that the shift from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy sources presents both challenges and opportunities for Nigeria. He highlighted the role of credible data in shaping policy and reaffirmed NEITI’s commitment to working with state governments to strengthen extractive governance and fiscal transparency.

“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,” Orji said.

Gilbert Makore, Africa Regional Director at the EITI International Secretariat, commended NEITI for its consistent publication of credible data and described Nigeria as a global leader in extractive transparency. Civil society was also represented at the retreat by Dr. Erisa Danladi Sarki, who underscored the importance of an inclusive transition that serves women, youth, and marginalized groups.

The retreat will conclude with a formal session of the NEITI National Stakeholders’ Working Group on Friday, May 9th, where strategic decisions and resolutions are expected to be adopted.