New NRGI reports reveal that:
- Nigeria delivers only about 4,475 MW of electricity on average despite having 13,625 MW of installed generation capacity.
- Investment in Nigerian clean energy has grown tenfold in five years, creating new opportunities to expand electricity access.
- The energy transition presents new opportunities for economic diversification, leveraging global demand for minerals.
Abuja, Nigeria, July 6, 2026. More than 70 senior leaders from government, industry and civil society gathered in Abuja today to discuss how Nigeria can expand electricity access and diversify its economy as the global energy transition accelerates. Attendees examined new research showing why this is a critical moment for realistic, evidence-based choices about the country’s energy and economic future.
The dialogue, Exploring Nigeria’s Energy and Economic Diversification pathways, was organised by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) in partnership with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), The Nextier Group and The Electricity Hub. It comes as global clean energy investment approaches US$2.2 trillion this year and demand for transition minerals accelerates, a window of opportunity for Nigeria to attract investment, expand electricity access and build new sources of growth beyond oil.
Nigeria’s current energy and economic realities show why these discussions matter. Despite holding Africa’s largest proven natural gas reserves and more than 13,600 megawatts of installed electricity generation capacity, the country delivers only about 4,500 megawatts of electricity on average, even as around 86 million Nigerians still lack access to electricity. At the same time, Nigeria’s continued reliance on oil and gas revenues underscores the need to develop new sources of economic growth as the global energy landscape evolves.
To inform the discussion, NRGI launched two new studies examining how Nigeria can strengthen electricity access while creating new pathways for economic diversification in the context of the global energy transition.
The first report, Nigeria’s Gas-to-Power Ambitions: Limits, Opportunities and Alternatives, found that systemic problems with gas supply, power transmission and payments, alongside a lack of finance for new plants, will make it hard for Nigeria to meet its electricity access ambitions through gas power alone. With investment in Nigerian clean energy growing tenfold in five years while almost no new capital went to gas power, the report concludes that the most promising strategy is a pragmatic transition that prioritizes performance, affordability and development outcomes.
A second NRGI report, entitled: Economic Diversification, the Energy Transition and Nigeria’s Minerals Opportunity, revealed that while rising global demand for transition minerals presents Nigeria with an opportunity to diversify its economy, realizing the benefits will require strong governance, strategic infrastructure and realistic expectations.
Omotenioye Majekodunmi, director-general at the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), represented by Michael Ivenso, the Director of Energy, Transportation, and Infrastructure, said Nigeria’s transition pathway must reflect the country’s unique development priorities. “For Nigeria, the energy transition is one of the defining economic conversations of our generation. Too often, the conversation is framed as a choice between climate action and economic growth. But that is a false choice,” she said.
Tengi George-Ikoli, country manager for Nigeria at the Natural Resource Governance Institute, said the findings point to challenges but also to a clear opportunity for Nigeria.
“While this new analysis reveals some enduring challenges, the good news is that Nigeria is uniquely positioned to seize the opportunities of the global energy transition, and deliver a better life for all Nigerians. This is not about choosing one energy source over another. Instead, policymakers can take clear-eyed, evidence-based decisions that strengthen energy security through a diverse energy mix, diversify the economy and ensure the country’s natural resources deliver lasting benefits for all its people,” she said.
Emeka Okpukpara, partner at The Nextier Group, said Nigeria should increasingly view renewable energy and economic diversification as opportunities to accelerate development. According to him, “With 85 million Nigerians still unconnected, the energy transition is not just about decarbonisation. It is about development: powering homes and businesses, creating jobs, and building a more resilient, inclusive economy. This is Nigeria’s chance to build a platform for industrialisation and local manufacturing, strengthening our value chains and positioning to compete in the global green economy.”
The dialogue forms part of NRGI at 20, marking two decades of the organisation’s work supporting governments, civil society and other stakeholders with independent research, technical expertise and evidence-based dialogue to strengthen natural resource governance and ensure that resource wealth delivers lasting public benefit.
About the National Council on Climate Change
The National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) is established by the Climate Change Act, 2021 as the apex body for climate matters in Nigeria. It is charged with formulating policies and programmes that address the risks and opportunities of climate change—across economy-wide adaptation and mitigation.
The Council coordinates the National Climate Change Action Plan and oversees the Climate Change Fund, enabling strategic financing of resilient infrastructure, low-carbon development, capacity building, and just transitions.
About the Natural Resource Governance Institute
The Natural Resource Governance Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that supports informed, inclusive decision-making about natural resources and the energy transition. We partner with reformers in government and civil society to design and implement just policies based on evidence and the priorities of citizens in resource-rich developing countries. Learn more at www.resourcegovernance.org
About the Electricity Hub
The Electricity Hub aims to address critical aspects of the power sector and contribute to its enhancement and sustainability. We work in collaboration with energy industry stakeholders in the public and private sector, providing guidance on how to formulate and implement power sector policies.
About Nextier
Nextier is a multi-competency firm that delivers exceptional value to clients by leveraging expertise across various industries and business functions, including policy research, program design, business strategy, financial advisory, and impact assessment. Operating in sectors like electricity, gas and energy transition, health, public sector advisory, and security, Nextier focuses on addressing complex development challenges in Africa.
Media Contact
Damilare Ogunmowo
Africa Communications Officer
Natural Resource Governance Institute
dogunmowo@resourcegovernance.org
08189574474