- Rite Foods has reduced diesel costs by 95% after transitioning most of its operations to natural gas and solar power.
- The move strengthens energy resilience, lowers emissions and improves long-term manufacturing competitiveness.
Rite Foods Limited has cut its diesel cost by 95 per cent after switching to cleaner energy sources. Specifically, the company now powers 95 per cent of its operations with natural gas and solar energy. As a result, diesel now accounts for only five per cent of its energy use.
The company disclosed this during a multi-stakeholder engagement at its head office in Opebi, Lagos, to mark the 2026 International Day of Clean Energy. During the event, stakeholders discussed practical pathways for integrating renewable energy across Nigeria’s FMCG sector.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Seleem Adegunwa, said energy resilience remains critical to business continuity. Therefore, the company continues to invest in cleaner energy to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. In addition, the company aligns its sustainability strategy with long-term competitiveness and operational stability.
According to him, Rite Foods now runs its manufacturing facilities mainly on natural gas and solar power. Consequently, the shift has reduced reliance on carbon-intensive fuels and delivered major cost savings on diesel expenditure.
Furthermore, the company prioritises solar energy within its hybrid power mix. As a result, the system improves energy reliability, reduces emissions, and lowers long-term operating costs.
Meanwhile, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, described clean energy as central to the company’s long-term business model. He stressed that cleaner energy solutions improve productivity, sustainability, and operational resilience.
During the event, Lagos State Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titilayo Oshodi, described clean energy as both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity. She explained that Nigeria must gradually shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
However, she warned that a delayed transition would increase environmental and public health risks. At the same time, she noted that a poorly financed rapid transition could strain economic stability. Therefore, she stressed the need for balanced and well-planned energy transition policies.
She also highlighted national and state-level clean energy initiatives. These include the implementation of the Energy Transition Plan, expansion of domestic solar manufacturing, green bond issuance, and Lagos clean energy programmes such as solar street lighting, electric public transport, biodigesters, and clean cookstove deployment.
Overall, the event highlighted growing private sector investment in clean energy adoption. Ultimately, stakeholders agreed that collaboration and practical implementation strategies remain key to Nigeria’s clean energy transition.