Governor Otti champions transparent energy future at NEITI stakeholders’ retreat

DDM News

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged industry players to embrace the global shift toward cleaner and more sustainable energy.

The call came on Wednesday during the opening of a two-day NEITI National Stakeholders’ Retreat and Board Meeting in Umuahia, the state capital.

The event, covered by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), focused on realigning Nigeria’s extractive industry with global energy transition goals.

The retreat, themed “Impacts of Energy Transition on Nigeria’s Economy”, drew stakeholders from across the country to discuss energy reforms.

Otti titled his keynote speech “Prosperity Through Transparency”, stressing the importance of accountability and transparency in resource exploration and management.

He urged NEITI to build reporting systems that are pro-Nigeria and designed to prevent the mistakes of the past.

He emphasized the need to monitor both traditional and emerging energy sources within Nigeria’s extractive sector.

“Stakeholders must understand these shifts to eliminate sharp practices and improve operational efficiency,” he said.

According to him, the best course for Nigeria is to embrace the opportunities in low and zero-carbon energy.

The governor highlighted his administration’s strides in clean energy, including the installation of thousands of solar-powered streetlights statewide.

He said the project has boosted security, cut energy costs, and improved service delivery across Abia.

He noted that the initiative has given the state a framework for building a more inclusive energy policy.

Otti also revealed ongoing partnerships with federal agencies to explore and commercialize the state’s abundant mineral resources.

He announced the launch of APTAN Energy Limited, a joint venture involving Abia State, PETAN, and private investors.

The company aims to drive innovation and infrastructure in the state’s energy sector.

The governor said hundreds of young people are currently being trained in solar installation and energy management.

He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working with the federal government to achieve national development goals.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr. George Akume, who also spoke at the event, echoed these views.

Akume, who chairs NEITI’s National Stakeholders Working Group, said the retreat offers a platform to adjust reform strategies.

He stressed that the federal government is ensuring the energy transition is fair, inclusive, and benefits all Nigerians.

Akume praised Governor Otti’s people-centered governance model and development efforts across infrastructure, health, and security.

“We have monitored the governor’s achievements and find them highly commendable,” he said.

He thanked the Abia State Government for creating a conducive atmosphere for hosting the retreat.

NEITI Executive Secretary and CEO, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, described the theme of the retreat as timely and strategic.

He revealed that NEITI commissioned a study on the energy transition’s impact on the Nigerian economy.

Dr. Orji said the study has made significant progress and is expected to guide future policy direction.

He called on all participants to actively engage in discussions and support transparency-focused reforms.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Otti and the people of Abia for hosting the retreat.

The governor was accompanied by senior government officials from across various ministries and departments.

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