By Danjuma Amodu / February 25, 2026
Nigeria’s efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy are gaining momentum, but experts have warned that a realistic, data-driven approach is crucial to achieving sustainable energy goals. The call was made at a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP), which presented findings from a comprehensive study on the economic, social, and environmental implications of decarbonising Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation, has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The country’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) aims to achieve 85% electric vehicle adoption and generate 150 gigawatts of solar electricity by 2060. However, experts have raised concerns about the feasibility of these targets, citing infrastructure gaps, technological limitations, and investment challenges.
Professor Chukwumerije Okereke, President of SPP, emphasised the need for a “balanced transition scenario” that allows gradual decarbonisation while leveraging Nigeria’s natural resources.
“Policy declarations alone are inadequate without strong scientific evidence to guide implementation,” Okereke stated.
The study proposes increased deployment of solar mini-grids rather than large-scale utility solar projects, citing decentralised energy systems as a faster and more practical solution for rural and underserved communities.
Okereke also advocated for alternative pathways for deploying savings from fuel subsidy removal, emphasising that subsidy reforms should translate into developmental investments driving green growth and economic diversification.
Dr Timothy Kelsall, Senior Research Fellow at ODI Global, highlighted the importance of considering institutional realities, vested interests, and socio-political dynamics in energy transition policies. “Transitioning away from oil will require careful planning, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and difficult policy decisions that balance economic stability with environmental sustainability,” Kelsall noted.
Uche Nnamani, a researcher at CCCD, stated that the workshop aimed to critically analyse the economic implications of Nigeria’s energy transition and provide actionable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and investors.
The experts agreed that evidence-based policymaking is critical to ensuring Nigeria’s green transition supports national development priorities, strengthens energy access, and positions the country for a sustainable low-carbon future.
