The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has commenced a week-long Strategic Retreat and Board Meeting in Umuahia, Abia State, as part of efforts to review its national strategy on energy transition.
The strategic retreat also seeks to strengthen institutional reforms, and deepen partnerships with sub-national Governments on natural resource governance and domestic revenue mobilisation.
Supported by the Ford Foundation, the retreat, brought 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, George Akume, the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, NEITI Board, announced that the Federal Government had adopted the National Energy Transition Policy and is committed to pursuing a just, inclusive, and beneficial energy transition.
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He emphasised 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, Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State, 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.
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Otti emphasised that while Nigeria had not fully realised the benefits of its abundant natural resource endowment, the tide is turning.
“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 institutionalise transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s resource governance”, he noted.
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 would fully integrate NEITI’s reporting framework to ensure that no stakeholder, especially host communities, is left behind.
The gvernor also highlighted Abia’s efforts in preparing for the future of energy, including: Installation of thousands of solar-powered streetlights to extend economic activity and improve public safety, Training hundreds of young people in solar installation and renewable energy systems and Ongoing development of a 10,000 barrels/day modular refinery and an Industrial and Innovation Park in Ukwa West among others.
Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI, reaffirmed that the retreat was a serious working session, convened at a time of major global shifts.
He explained that “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.”
