NEITI Seeks Subnational Partnerships As Nigeria Re-commits To Beneficial Energy Transition
By Gift Eguavoen
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has held a weeklong strategic retreat and Board Meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, as part of efforts to review its national strategy on energy transition, strengthen institutional reforms, and deepen partnerships with subnational governments on natural resource governance and domestic revenue mobilization.
The Retreat, supported by the Ford Foundation, brings together members of the NEITI National Stakeholders’ Working Group (NSWG) and senior management team to deliberate on the ongoing NEITI research study on the impact of energy transition on Nigeria’s economy, as well as review policy implementation and strategic alignment under NEITI’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.
Declaring the Retreat open, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the NEITI Board, Senator George Akume, announced that the Federal Government has adopted the National Energy Transition Policy and is committed to pursuing a just, inclusive, and beneficial energy transition. He emphasized the importance of a measured, evidence-based approach that balances the urgent global shift with national development priorities—particularly 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,” the SGF stated.
Welcoming the delegation, Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, described the retreat as a significant vote of confidence in Abia’s emerging role as a hub for reform-oriented governance and development partnerships. He expressed deep appreciation to NEITI for choosing Umuahia to host this high-level national engagement.
Dr. Otti emphasized that while Nigeria has not fully realized the benefits of its abundant natural resource endowment, the tide is turning. He stated:
“Poverty and wealth are often a function of how natural resources are harnessed and distributed. Where extractives are exploited responsibly and revenue is transparently and equitably applied, prosperity follows. NEITI has emerged as one of the key institutions working to correct past wrongs and institutionalize transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s resource governance.”
He lauded NEITI’s pioneering efforts in driving reforms and promoting credible data disclosures, adding that Abia State is prepared to align with NEITI’s standards. The Governor cited the establishment of ABTAN Energy Ltd, a joint venture between the Abia State Government, the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), and private investors, to manage oil and gas assets responsibly. He pledged that ABTAN’s operations will fully integrate NEITI’s reporting framework to ensure that no stakeholder, especially host communities, is left behind.
The Governor also highlighted Abia’s efforts in preparing for the future of energy, including installation of solar-powered streetlights, training young people in solar installation and renewable energy systems, ongoing development of a 10,000 barrels/day modular refinery and an Industrial and Innovation Park and evaluation of private sector proposals to explore key solid minerals such as kaolin, limestone, and granite.
He urged NEITI to support subnational governments in building transparent, value-driven ecosystems, while also advocating for a fair compensation model for host communities.
The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, reaffirmed that the retreat is a serious working session, convened at a time of major global shifts.
“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.”
Dr. Orji added that the retreat will also review NEITI’s strategic priorities and operational plans, while forging new pathways for collaboration with state governments, particularly in extractive governance and tax transparency.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Gilbert Makore, Regional Director for Africa at the EITI International Secretariat in Oslo, Norway, praised NEITI’s consistency in publishing timely and credible data on Nigeria’s extractive industries.
Representing civil society, Dr. Erisa Danladi Sarki, NEITI Board member, reiterated the sector’s commitment to ensuring that the transition is just, inclusive, and people-centered—especially for women, youth, and marginalized groups.
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