NEITI Proposes Agenda for Nigeria’s Energy Transition

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has proposed the deployment of data, inclusive policy making and implementation of reforms as a three-pronged way to ensure smooth energy transition and climate justice in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji outlined the agency’s proposal at the 4th edition of the National Extractive Dialogue (NED 2025) which took place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, a statement by the Director, Communications & Stakeholder Management, Obiageli Onuorah, stated.

Orji told the audience that the theme of NED 2025, “Transitions, Divestments, and Critical Minerals: Charting a Just Future for Nigeria’s Extractive Sector,” implores a look “beyond resource extraction and profit, towards a future that is anchored on justice, sustainability, inclusion and shared prosperity.”

According to him, NEITI is supporting the Nigerian government on its energy transition journey by conducting a comprehensive research study on energy transition’s impact on Nigeria’s economy aimed at providing data to guide fiscal planning, protection of livelihoods and alignment with Nigeria’s energy transition plan.

This, he said, is part of NEITI’s strategic response to the risks and opportunities emerging from the global shift to renewable energy.

Furthermore, NEITI launched its data centre as its digital transparency backbone, with real-time, automated, and centralised extractive sector data which will enable automated disclosures and regulatory integration.

He added that NEITI is also advancing transparency in the solid minerals sector by tracking surging royalties payments such as gold at N2.92 billion, lithium at N398.19 million, tin at N540.7 million, and linking these to community development and national beneficiation. 

He urged stakeholders to collaborate in leveraging NEITI’s credible data to drive transparency and sustainable development. “There can be no justice without data. No reform without records. No future without facts,” Orji argued.

The Executive Director, Spaces4Change, and Convener of NED 2025, Mrs Victoria Ohaeri-Ibezim, called for a reimagined, equitable future for extractive governance. 

“Nigeria cannot afford to stumble blindly into this new era. Not again,” she said, emphasising that NED 2025 is a rallying point for bold, collective action to redefine the sector’s future through regulation, environmental accountability, and community protection.