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  • Reps committee to introduce green jobs bill, target women, youth in energy sector

    Reps committee to introduce green jobs bill, target women, youth in energy sector

    The House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has announced plans to introduce new legislation that will mandate the creation of green jobs across the country, with clear targets for the inclusion of women and youth in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector.

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, disclosed this on Thursday during the Africa Policy Dialogue (APD) Kick-off Workshop on Green Jobs and Low Carbon Transition held at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.

    The proposed legislation, titled the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act (NIGJA), is expected to provide a framework for linking renewable energy investments to employment generation, targeted skills development, and inclusive participation of young people and women.

    It will also align with regional trade goals under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aimed at enhancing competitiveness in Africa’s energy market.

    Ogene said the move builds on resolutions reached during the First Annual Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy held earlier this year in Lagos.

    He described the bill as a key component of the Committee’s agenda and a practical step towards turning Nigeria’s energy transition into a tool for social and economic development.

    He noted that climate change policy must go beyond environmental goals to focus on social justice and job creation, especially in rural and underserved areas.

    “For Nigeria to achieve meaningful and sustainable development, prioritising the interests of women and youth is crucial,” Ogene said.

     He commended the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for creating the Committee on Renewable Energy as a full-standing committee of the House, the first in Nigeria’s legislative history, to push forward policies and track progress in the sector.

    The Committee Chairman also referenced a recent House resolution mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to transition to renewable energy sources for their power needs.

    He said efforts are already underway to draft legislation that will give the resolution the force of law.

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    According to Ogene, green jobs are not abstract, but real and measurable outcomes of energy investments.

    He cited the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, the Solar Power Naija initiative, and the Next-Gen RESCO Programme as examples of ongoing projects creating employment opportunities. He said the Next-Gen RESCO programme alone is expected to create 10,000 jobs in the coming years.

    He added that Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which targets 30% renewable energy generation by 2030, could create 340,000 direct jobs by 2030 and up to 840,000 by 2060.

    However, Ogene expressed concern that women and youth remain underrepresented in technical and decision-making roles in the energy sector.

    He said while women account for about 27–37% of sector-wide roles, only 8% occupy STEM-related positions. Youth currently hold about 28% of formal jobs in the distributed renewable energy sub-sector.

    He stressed the need for gender-responsive policies, targeted technical training, and employment guarantees in government-funded renewable energy projects.

    “If we truly want a just energy transition, we must place youth and women at the centre of green job creation,” he said.

    Ogene also highlighted the existing skills gap in the renewable energy sector. He said nearly 50% of skilled labour needs are unmet, especially in areas such as solar panel installation, engineering, and systems operation. He added that a significant portion of renewable energy equipment is still imported, despite Nigeria having the raw materials to produce it locally.

    “This is not just a workforce problem; it is a policy problem,” he said, stressing the need to strengthen technical training institutions and build capacity for local manufacturing.

    He acknowledged the efforts of institutions such as the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), and the Next-Gen RESCO Programme, but said more action is needed to scale up green skills and apprenticeships nationwide.

    Ogene said the Committee is already working with legislative drafters, legal experts, and stakeholders to prepare a comprehensive bill that will reflect these priorities.

    On behalf of the 10th Assembly, he pledged that the House will push for oversight, funding, and legal support to mainstream green jobs into national planning and budgeting processes.

    He called on development partners, private investors, civil society, and academic institutions to support the legislative efforts through data sharing, joint implementation, and co-creation of policy frameworks.

    Ogene said the workshop marks the beginning of a legislative journey that will define Nigeria’s renewable energy future and urged participants to treat the engagement as a national assignment.

    INCLUDE Knowledge Platform called for a deliberate, inclusive, and labour-centred approach to Nigeria’s low-carbon transition, warning that without targeted reforms, the country risks replicating existing inequalities under the guise of climate action.

    Speaking at the event, INCLUDE’s representative, Victoria Manya, said Nigeria must design its energy transition as an opportunity to address unemployment, gender imbalance, and systemic exclusion.

    Manya said INCLUDE, alongside its international partners, is fully backing the development of the proposed National Inclusive Green Jobs Act (NIGJA) and the National Green Skills and Employment Alliance (NGSEA), both aimed at creating job opportunities in renewable energy, particularly for women and youth.

    Citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Manya noted that Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate stands at over 42%, with women disproportionately affected. Meanwhile, she noted, the renewable energy sector alone has the potential to create up to 340,000 direct jobs by 2030, mostly in solar photovoltaic (PV), according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

    However, she said less than 5% of the country’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes are aligned with renewable energy skills, according to a 2024 report jointly produced by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and INCLUDE.

    She warned that without binding labour-based incentives, Nigeria’s energy transition could widen rather than reduce economic inequality.

    Manya praised the House Committee on Renewable Energy for taking the lead through its proposed green jobs legislation, and reaffirmed INCLUDE’s commitment to working closely with lawmakers, civil society, and other stakeholders to co-design policies that directly respond to Nigeria’s employment crisis.

    The Africa Policy Dialogue workshop is being held in collaboration with INCLUDE Knowledge Platform and brings together stakeholders from UNDP, Women in Renewable Energy, renewable energy firms, lawmakers, civil society organisations, and the media. It is expected to produce recommendations that will feed directly into the drafting and refinement of the green jobs bill.

  • FG welcomes Shell’s renewed investment drive in energy sector

    FG welcomes Shell’s renewed investment drive in energy sector

    The Federal Government has welcomed Shell’s renewed commitment to the energy sector, describing it as a strong signal of growing investor confidence in the country’s economic reforms and policy direction.

    Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, made this known on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) Nigeria Limited. The delegation was led by the company’s Managing Director and Country Chair, Mr. Osagie Okunbor.

    A statement from the Ministry of Finance said Edun praised Shell for its longstanding role in Nigeria’s energy development and expressed optimism over the company’s latest investment decisions. He noted that the Tinubu administration remains focused on sustaining macroeconomic reforms, attracting long-term capital, and ensuring a transparent, stable, and investor-friendly environment that supports both domestic and global business interests.

    During the visit, Shell introduced Mr. Marno De-Jong as the incoming Chairman of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) and Executive Vice President for Nigeria. The introduction coincides with a renewed push by the energy giant to expand its footprint in Nigeria following what company officials described as a more predictable and reform-oriented policy climate.

    The delegation confirmed Shell’s decision to proceed with capital investment in the Bonga North deep-water project and its supporting infrastructure. The Bonga North development is part of a broader $5 billion investment plan, making it Shell’s first major offshore project in Nigeria in over ten years.

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    In addition to the Bonga North commitment, the Shell team disclosed its recent acquisition of TotalEnergies’ interest in Oil Mining Lease (OML) 118, a deal worth $500 million. The transaction significantly strengthens Shell’s strategic position in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and signals long-term operational confidence.

    Company representatives cited a number of factors behind their renewed momentum in Nigeria, including improved policy coherence, increased regulatory certainty, and progress in resolving issues related to local content policies.

    Mr. Wale Edun described the visit as timely and impactful, adding that Shell’s investment pipeline will play a major role in boosting energy production, creating jobs, and enhancing government revenue.

    “The Federal Government is determined to provide the right environment for responsible investments,” Edun said. “This administration is committed to removing barriers that have hindered investor participation and ensuring that our policies encourage long-term economic partnerships.”

    Shell’s renewed engagement in Nigeria is being viewed as part of a broader trend of re-engagement by international oil companies (IOCs), who are watching closely as the Nigerian government implements its reform agenda to attract capital into critical sectors, especially energy and infrastructure.

    The visit also aligns with the government’s objective of achieving inclusive economic growth, ensuring energy security, and accelerating infrastructure development through active private sector participation.

    From Left To Right: Osagie Okunbor:MD and Country Chair Shell; Wale Edun Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Marno De-Jong, Executive Vice President For Nigeria Shell.

  • ‘Over $1b unlocked in energy sector’

    ‘Over $1b unlocked in energy sector’

    The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, has disclosed that the President Bola Tinubu administration has unlocked over $1 billion in investments across the energy value chain and by the middle of 2025 will see the foreign direct investment (FDI) on two more projects, including a multibillion billion-dollar deepwater exploration project, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria in over a decade.

    These, and several others, she said, are testimonies to the enabling environment being created for investment in the energy sector of the country, which are part of the various reforms of the Federal Government in the sector which are now making the industry an investment haven for discerning international investors.

    “We see the abundant opportunities that lie ahead. We see a Nigeria that is a leading global producer and exporter of energy – whether its fossil fuels or renewables. We are not held back by the outdated approaches and assumptions of the past. We are open, daring, and eager to leave a legacy that will stand the test of time,” she said.

    Verheijen, who spoke on “The Future of Energy: Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow” at the recently concluded African Energy Week (AEW), which held in Cape Town, South Africa, said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, is now being consolidated with urgency to completely rewrite the narrative of oil and gas investment in the country.

    According to her, regulatory frameworks such as the outlining of a fiscal framework for deepwater gas since basin exploration commenced in 1991, amongst others, have buoyed the sector, making it attractive, while other regulatory approvals are being expedited, and major upstream investment decisions are being finalised.

    “We clarified the regulatory roles to create an enabling environment for investments; introduced reforms targeted at reducing high operational costs and project execution timelines; introduced a clear set of fiscal incentives for Non-Associated Gas and Deep offshore Oil & Gas gas exploration and production, including  the outlining of a fiscal framework for deepwater gas since basin exploration commenced in 1991, all in the first 12 months of our coming on board,” she revealed, adding that “we are already seeing the fruit of our work.”

    Verheijen, who charged Africans on the need for sustainable energy security and affordability, said stakeholders in the energy sector across Africa have the task to determine the outcome of the delicate balance between energy security, affordability and sustainability for the continent.

     “There is no doubt that the future we are moving into will be very different from where we are coming and what we are used to. It will take incredible amounts of human energy and a diversity of talent and expertise to enable us adapt to these rapidly evolving and often unpredictable scenarios and circumstances,” she noted.

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    According to her, one of the most important ways in which the future of African energy workforce can be shaped is to look beyond the traditional places and welcome a new crop of talent, especially women and young people, who possess a global perspective and reach and understand the context of the 21st century. Africa, she insisted, is equipped with the fresh perspectives and bold energy to design and implement radical new solutions to lingering problems.

    “I hope that in every country across Africa, these stories will be replicated, and the gender gaps that have come to define our landscape will be aggressively narrowed and closed. There is no doubt that the continent will be the better for it. Bringing the perspectives, capacity and the energy of its women, who make up half of the population, into the mix, is a requirement for building the Africa of our dreams,” she submitted.

  • Nigeria seeks global investors for energy sector

    Nigeria seeks global investors for energy sector

    The Federal Government has rolled out the red carpet for international investors to tap into the country’s vast energy potential.

    Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, made the call at the African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa, highlighting Nigeria’s untapped potential and recent reforms aimed at attracting capital.

    Verheijen noted that the country has historically underperformed in oil and gas production despite Nigeria’s wealth in the oil and gas industry.

    She referenced how countries like Brazil that has only 30per cent of Nigeria’s oil reserves has outperformed by producing 131per cent more than current production of Nigeria. 

    “Despite our abundant endowments, we have underperformed against our potential. For example, Brazil holds only 30per cent of Nigeria’s oil reserves but produces 131per cent more. This is largely due to under-investment,” she said.

    She said since 2016, Nigeria has attracted only four per cent of African oil and gas investments, while investment has surged in other, less resource-rich nations.

    According to a statement issued by Director of Information of the State House, Abiodun Oladunjoye, Verheijen said: “Since 2016, Nigeria has managed to attract only four per cent of total investments in oil and gas, while less resourced countries in Africa have enjoyed a bigger share.

    “When we analyzed investment data, we also found that, between 2013, when Nigeria’s last deepwater project reached FID, and now, IOCs operating in Nigeria have committed more than $82 billion in deepwater investments in other countries that they have deemed to be more attractive destinations for their capital.”

    Recognizing this trend, the presidential aide highlighted many efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to enact reforms aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s investment landscape.

    Among these initiatives, she said the government has introduced fiscal incentives targeting deep offshore and non-associated gas projects, marking the first time Nigeria has outlined a fiscal framework specifically for deepwater gas. 

    In efforts to enhance the upstream oil and gas sector, she said her office has collaborated closely with the office of the National Security Adviser to create and distribute focused Security Directives, leveraging insights garnered from on-ground operators. 

    Additionally, Verheijen revealed steps to streamline approval processes by clearly defining the regulatory scopes involved. 

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    This initiative, she said, aims to significantly reduce the extended project timelines that have historically plagued the industry, as well as the high-cost premiums associated with operating in Nigeria. 

    She added: “Our target is to shorten the contracting timelines from an extensive 38 months to just 135 days, while also working to eliminate the 40% cost premium that currently exists within the Nigerian petroleum industry.

    The presidential aide also revealed efforts by the current President Tinubu administration to further open up the oil and gas sector for bigger investments with a set of clear fiscal incentives for Non-Associated Gas and Deep offshore Oil & Gas exploration and production.

     “This is the first time that Nigeria is outlining a fiscal framework for Deepwater gas since exploration in the basin commenced in 1991,” She said.

    According to her, amongst other initiatives, there has been a focus on midstream and downstream investments in Compressed Natural Gas, (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas, and electric vehicles as part of the Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative.

    She added that the administration has also worked to streamline regulatory processes, shorten project timelines, and reduce the high-cost premium of operating in Nigeria. 

    “We have also introduced fiscal incentives to catalyze investments in the midstream and downstream sectors, including, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and Mini Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). 

    “These align with the broader Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative, which seeks to enable the displacement of PMS and Diesel in three key sectors: heavy transport, decentralised power generation and cooking. These incentives are also stimulating demand for Electric Vehicles.

    “Our goal is to eliminate the 40 per cent cost premium within the Nigerian petroleum industry and cut down contracting timelines from 38 months to 135 days,” Verheijen stated.

     She said the government has unlocked over $1 billion across the energy value chain, with two more major investment projects expected by mid-2025.

    “We are also facilitating the transfer of onshore and shallow water assets to local companies with the capacity to grow production, while supporting the transition of International Oil Companies, with resilient capital, into deep offshore and integrated gas. We have unlocked over $1 billion in investments across the value chain and by the middle of 2025 we expect to see FID on two more projects, including a multibillion-dollar deepwater exploration project, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria in over a decade – one of many to come.

    Verheijen also addressed efforts by the Tinubu administration to revamp the nation’s power sector, with plans to provide more reliable electricity access for the 86 million Nigerians currently underserved. 

    She said the scheme aims to improve revenue assurance and collection.

     Other key measures include tackling legacy debt, deploying seven million smart meters to reduce losses, and expanding off-grid solutions for remote communities. 

    By 2027, Nigeria aims to ensure 20 hours of electricity daily for consumers in urban areas and industrial hubs.

    Highlighting recent macroeconomic reforms such as petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalization, Verheijen expressed confidence that Nigeria is set for unprecedented growth. 

    “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is championing reforms to unlock its vast economic potential and create jobs,” she concluded, inviting foreign partners to participate in Nigeria’s next chapter of growth.

  • Expert urges sustainability in energy sector

    Expert urges sustainability in energy sector

    Sustainability expert, Prince Nwocha, has urged industry players to adopt innovative solutions and environmental friendly practices to drive energy transition.

    He spoke recently, saying the sector must prioritise sustainability to mitigate climate change impact and reduce carbon footprint.

    According to Nwocha, the energy sector’s significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions necessitates bold steps to reduce its carbon footprint. This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention.

    “The energy sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and it’s imperative that we take bold steps to reduce our carbon footprint.” he said.

    Nwocha believes sustainability is crucial for the energy sector’s long-term viability. Sustainable practices can reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficiency.

    He firmly assets, “Sustainability is key to the energy sector’s long-term viability, and it’s essential that we adopt sustainable practices to reduce our environmental impact.”

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    Government support is crucial for driving sustainability in the energy sector. Policies and regulations can encourage innovation and investment in renewable energy.

    “Government policies and regulations are crucial for promoting sustainability, and can drive innovation and investment in renewable energy.” he pointed out.

    Nwocha stressed that technology is a major key driver for sustainability in the energy sector. Digitalization and innovation can optimize sustainable solutions.

    “Technology is key to attaining sustainable solutions, and can help us reduce our environmental impact and improve energy efficiency.” he affirmed.

    Collaboration is essential for achieving sustainability goals. Industry players, governments, and civil society must work together.

    “Collaboration is essential for sustainability, and we must work together to drive progress and achieve our goals.” he emphasized.

    Nwocha points out that sustainability can have numerous economic benefits. Investing in sustainability can create new job opportunities and stimulate local economies.

    “Sustainability can drive economic growth, create new job opportunities, and stimulate local economies.” He added.

    Nwocha is a renowned Production Operations Leader and sustainability expert, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision to the forefront of the energy sector.

  • ‘Prioritise monitoring, performance of energy sector’

    ‘Prioritise monitoring, performance of energy sector’

    Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has said monitoring and performance of the energy sector in implementing policies should be prioritised.

    This, he said, would open more initiatives under Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, making bondholders, beneficiaries, suppliers, manufacturers and other value chain activities bring investment.

    Nnaji spoke yesterday at the unveiling of Energy Commission of Nigeria’s (ECN’s) gazette on energy policies and energy masterplan for planning and coordination.

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     While calling on stakeholders to adhere to processes and policies, he said the direction of government is possessive and transparent to stakeholders.

     “This opens more initiatives under Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, where bondholders, beneficiaries, suppliers, manufacturers and other value chain activities generate investment opportunities.

     “… These processes provide stability and consistency in decision making and planning, ” he said.

     Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, said the gazzete on energy policies and national energy masterplan requires efforts from stakeholders, including public and private sectors, civil societies and international community.

  • ‘Executive Order on energy sector good for growth’

    ‘Executive Order on energy sector good for growth’

    The Women in Energy Network (WIEN) has said the Oil and Gas Companies Executive Order 2024 recently signed by President Bola Tinubu remains one of the strongest propellers of gas driven industrial catalysts in the economy.

    The Executive Order provides for such incentives like a 10-year tax credits and allowances exemption, remission and other incentives for development, production, processing and consumption of non-associated gas (NAG).

    The order, which also provides fiscal and commercial incentives for investments in midstream petroleum industry, would be the first set of spurs on commercial players in the industry in the past 20 years.

    And with the incentives provided for in the executive order, it is expected that some of the country’s discovered gas fields would now begin to see development and production investments.

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    WEIN’s President, Mrs Eyono Fatayi-Williams, in a statement made available to The Nation, praised President Tinubu for the Presidential Executive Order, saying it conforms to the long required incentives for unlocking oilfield development investments in the nation’s petroleum sector.

     “The incentives provided by Mr President will trigger a full chain activity in the petroleum industry, commercialize the nation’s huge natural gas resources and guarantee supply sufficiency for commercial, industrial and domestic application of fuel gas in the economy,” Mrs Fatayi-Williams said.

    According to her, unlocking the development of non-associated gas (NAG) in Nigeria would assist players in the midstream and downstream petroleum industry drive home some of the nation’s economic aspirations for the gas industry, including the autogas policy, LPG penetration programme, national gas expansion programme and gas-to-power programme.

    She further noted that the Executive Order would not only enable the much-needed investments in the upstream petroleum industry but also enhance ease of doing business by providing fiscally congenial space for inflow of investment capital into the nation’s oil and gas sector.

    She charged her members to seize the advantage of the tax credits and allowances to launch into the field with full female energy to support realisation of the goals of the unfolding reforms in the energy industry.

    Mrs Fatayi-Williams pointed out that the incentives would spur full value chain activity in the industry, adding that apart from being the most reliable industrial fuel and the cleanest available domestic fuel, natural gas holds enormous potentials to restore complete commerciality in the electricity supply industry.