In a spirited call to action on Wednesday, Abia State Governor Alex Otti challenged leaders in Nigeria’s extractive industries to rise above outdated practices and embrace the realities of a changing energy landscape.
Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative’s (NEITI) national retreat in Umuahia, Otti underscored the urgent need to rethink the country’s energy strategy.
The two-day gathering, themed “Impacts of Energy Transition on Nigeria’s Economy”, drew top government officials, industry stakeholders, and policy experts.
In a keynote address titled “Prosperity Through Transparency,” the governor laid out a vision of reform driven by accountability, innovation, and a clear break from the errors of the past.
“We must pay close attention to the evolution of this new ecosystem,” Otti declared, emphasizing the need to develop systems that prioritize transparency and reflect Nigeria’s interests first.
“If we want real progress, we can’t afford a repeat of the costly mistakes of yesterday.”
With fossil fuel dependence waning globally, Otti stressed that Nigeria must position itself to seize new opportunities in clean and renewable energy.
He pointed to Abia State’s own efforts—like installing thousands of solar-powered streetlights—as proof that sustainable energy investment can improve both security and efficiency.
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But the state isn’t stopping there. Otti announced the launch of a new joint venture, APTAN Energy Limited, created in partnership with the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN) and private investors.
The initiative aims to harness Abia’s untapped natural resources while creating jobs and preparing young people to manage future energy infrastructure.
“We’re training hundreds of young professionals,” Otti said, “because energy transition isn’t just about technology—it’s about people.”
The federal government appears to be on the same page. Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, praised the governor’s leadership and called the retreat a strategic moment to refocus Nigeria’s efforts on inclusive energy reform.
“We’re committed to ensuring this transition benefits all Nigerians—especially those at the grassroots,” Akume assured attendees.
Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary of NEITI, echoed the optimism, noting that the retreat would help produce concrete policy guidelines for the sector.
As the retreat unfolds, expectations are high that Nigeria may finally be ready to align its resource wealth with genuine reform and inclusive growth—something Otti and others insist is long overdue.