In a country where energy challenges intersect with environmental, economic, and social imperatives, the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) is charting a bold new course. Formerly known as MOMAN, MEMAN has transformed itself into a leading advocate for sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector. With the release of its 2025 Sustainability Report, MEMAN has laid bare a comprehensive, ambitious, and actionable roadmap for a cleaner and more inclusive energy future.
From fossil fuels to a greener footprint
At the heart of MEMAN’s strategy is its commitment to decarbonization, innovation, and resilience. Recognising the urgent global push toward energy transition, MEMAN’s five-year carbon footprint reduction plan (2023–2027) outlines clear sustainability targets across depots, trucks, and retail stations. These include the deployment of solar energy, the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) for fleet operations, and the integration of ethanol-blended fuels like E10.
Already, results are materialising. As of 2025, 398 retail stations across Nigeria have been solarised, slashing emissions and operational costs. Furthermore, member companies like NNPC Retail are leading by example with the procurement of 500 CNG-powered fuel tankers, fitted with advanced safety features like alcohol locks, fatigue-monitoring cameras, and vapour recovery systems.
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Clean Energy in Action
MEMAN is not just talking the talk; it’s walking the walk. Through grassroots campaigns and strategic partnerships, the association is helping thousands of Nigerians transition from harmful biomass fuels to safer alternatives. A nationwide LPG sensitisation campaign recently saw the distribution of over 550 LPG cylinders across Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, and Borno States. The campaign emphasised affordability, health benefits, and the environmental superiority of gas over traditional fuels like charcoal or firewood.
At the same time, MEMAN is preparing for the future of electric mobility. EV charging infrastructure is gradually being integrated into member stations, complementing ongoing investments in renewable power sources.
A Culture of Safety and Sustainability
MEMAN’s emphasis on HSSEQ (Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality) is more than regulatory compliance—it’s a core operating philosophy. The association’s members have introduced safe-to-load protocols, spill-prevention valves, and enhanced training programs for depot and truck personnel.
One standout initiative is the MEMAN Cluster Drill, a coordinated emergency simulation held in Apapa. Involving stakeholders from the Nigerian Navy to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, the exercise tested real-time disaster response systems, underlining MEMAN’s dedication to proactive risk management.
The association’s safety-first strategy is also yielding tangible benefits: incidents involving petroleum tanker accidents have significantly declined since 2022, thanks to rigorous training, vehicle upgrades, and collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Youth and Innovation at the Center
Recognising that sustainable transformation requires a pipeline of skilled professionals, MEMAN has launched its Youth Engagement Program through the MEMAN Competency Centre. This initiative, currently being piloted at Yaba College of Technology and the University of Lagos, aims to equip students with skills in renewable energy, digital innovation, and environmental management.
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The June 2025 edition of the program included panel discussions with energy executives, skill-building workshops, and mentorship opportunities. By linking students with industry veterans, MEMAN is not only bridging the knowledge gap but also investing in the long-term capacity of Nigeria’s energy workforce.
Community-Focused Impact
Sustainability, as MEMAN sees it, extends beyond carbon reduction to social responsibility. Member companies are actively involved in community development projects—from school renovations and scholarship programs to borehole installations and clean-up campaigns.
For example, MRS Oil Nigeria’s adoption of Oduduwa Senior Secondary School in Mushin has led to the renovation of classrooms and the provision of essential learning equipment. TotalEnergies’ LEAD Career Project has engaged over 1,800 students in eco-leadership, while Conoil’s donations to infrastructure repair and local culture underscore the sector’s commitment to giving back.
MEMAN itself has taken a direct role in environmental stewardship through its Flood Management Initiative at Bishop Kale Close, Victoria Island. By tackling hazards like open defecation, waste accumulation, and hydrocarbon spills, MEMAN is creating a replicable model for urban environmental rehabilitation.
Governance That Drives Change
Behind MEMAN’s initiatives is a robust corporate governance framework. Its leadership structure ensures accountability and transparency, while its Code of Conduct enforces ethical standards across all operations.
The association’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is equally strong. MEMAN supports the 30% Club’s gender diversity benchmarks and promotes flexible work environments, mentorship for women in energy, and youth inclusion at the executive level.
“Diversity in leadership brings broader perspectives, and with that comes innovation and resilience,” said Clement Isong, CEO of MEMAN. “We are not just building an energy system—we are shaping a society.”
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Aligning With Global Goals
Perhaps most impressively, MEMAN aligns its sustainability agenda with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report highlights contributions toward SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Moreover, MEMAN’s alignment with the NMDPRA Industry Sustainability Initiative (NISI) could unlock over $575 billion in capital investment for Nigeria through decarbonization, according to the report.
Looking Ahead: A Model for African Energy
As Nigeria navigates the complexities of energy poverty, climate change, and economic growth, MEMAN presents a pragmatic yet visionary blueprint. By combining grassroots action with institutional reform, clean energy promotion with education, and safety with innovation, MEMAN is proving that the petroleum sector can evolve—and lead—in sustainability.
In a world increasingly defined by net-zero targets and ESG benchmarks, MEMAN’s message is clear: sustainability is not an afterthought—it’s the future of energy in Nigeria.
