Nigeria’s Energy Sector Projects 340,000 Jobs Generation by 2030.
Katherine Abayomi, Port Harcourt
In collaboration with Oxfam, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has convened a round table discussion on “Strengthening CSO Advocacy for Energy Transparency.”
The event brought together civil society organisations (CSOs), media representatives, and industry experts to deliberate on legislative reforms, public awareness, and best practices in Nigeria’s energy sector.
In his address, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa, emphasised the critical role of CSOs in ensuring transparency and accountability in the sector.
“Civil society organisations have historically played a key role in promoting good governance and accountability in Nigeria. They are well-positioned to monitor, report, engage, educate, and advocate for policy reforms that enhance transparency in the energy transition.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Dr. Chikanele Asuru, Associate Professor of Development Economics and Head of Petroleum Economics, examined Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy by 2030.
She highlighted the importance of gas as a transitional energy source, reducing carbon emissions while supporting energy security and economic growth.
Dr Asuru projected that Nigeria’s net-zero pathway could generate 340,000 jobs by 2030 and 840,000 jobs by 2060, particularly in the power, cooking, and transportation sectors. She also noted that the energy transition would attract investments in solar energy, hydrogen, and electric vehicle industries.
In another presentation on “Strategic Gas Planning for a Sustainable Energy Future,” Dr. Lawrence Dube underscored the role of gas in Nigeria’s energy transition, emphasising the need for a structured approach to maximise its economic and environmental benefits.
The discussion concluded with a call for stronger CSO involvement in policy advocacy, legislative reforms, and public engagement to ensure Nigeria’s energy transition is transparent, inclusive, and sustainable.
The workshop ended with a communiqué recommending the following actions:
- CSOs should engage in rigorous monitoring and evaluation of the energy transition value chain.
- Increased gas utilization to drive industrialization, economic growth, and sustainable development.
- Development partners should establish a national platform, the Energy Transition Coalition, to advocate for a just and inclusive energy transition.
- Strengthened transparency and accountability in the gas sector, including an open contracting system for gas infrastructure and distribution.
- Government, private sector, and CSOs should adopt a “think global, act local” approach to avoid negative socio-economic disruptions.
- Gas should be made accessible and affordable to support economic growth.
