For Nigeria to successfully transition to clean energy stakeholders must ensure a balanced, inclusive, and data-driven approach. This should also be backed up by a deliberate shift from linear energy use to circular systems that promote innovation, green jobs, and inclusive access. Those were the resolutions adopted by experts at a forum organised by Rite Foods Limited, a leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, to mark the 2026 International Day of Clean Energy. It was held at the company’s head office in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.
With the theme “Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition: Balancing Risks, Trade-offs and Opportunities for Sustainable Growth,” the forum involved government officials, regulators, energy experts, manufacturers, suppliers, sustainability advocates and media. Participants examined practical pathways for integrating renewable energy solutions across Nigeria’s FMCG sector. The experts also believe that “If managed wisely, clean energy will not slow Nigeria’s growth, rather it will redefine it”.
It is as a result of this conviction that Rite Foods has integrated cleaner and more efficient energy solutions into its award winning brands, thus reducing carbon footprint, even as it delivers its brands to consumers nationwide.
This approach reflects the company’s ability to balance operational resilience with environmental responsibility within Nigeria’s challenging power landscape.
Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, who declared the event open, described clean energy as central to the company’s long-term business strategy.
Hear him: “At Rite Foods, clean energy is not optional; it is a strategic business imperative. Our approach acknowledges the realities of industrial operations in Nigeria while deliberately pursuing cleaner, more efficient, and more resilient energy solutions that support sustainability, productivity, and business continuity.”
Rite Foods surely demonstrates that it is a most qualified company to spearhead the campaign, when it said that 95 per cent of its energy consumption comes from cleaner sources, including natural gas and solar power, with diesel accounting for just 5 per cent of its energy mix. According to the company, the shift has significantly reduced its reliance on more carbon-intensive fuels across its manufacturing facilities.
The Managing Director/CEO, Mr Seleem Adegunwa, in his opening remarks delivered by Mrs. Barong Asiodu, General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy, reiterated Rite Foods’ commitment to embedding sustainability into its long-term growth plans while aligning strong business performance with environmental responsibility.
“For us at Rite Foods, energy is a business continuity priority. As the manufacturing landscape evolves, companies must proactively strengthen their energy resilience while reducing environmental impact. Our investments in cleaner energy reflect disciplined long-term thinking about competitiveness, efficiency, and responsible growth. More importantly, we recognize that industry progress accelerates when stakeholders share knowledge and align on practical pathways forward.” Adegunwa said.
That commitment recommends Rite Foods to all stakeholders, including the authorities. Titilayo Oshodi, special adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Climate Change and Circular Economy underscored this in her keynote address.
Oshodi, who emphasized that clean energy is both an environmental necessity and a strategic economic opportunity for Nigeria, commended Rite Foods for convening the dialogue, which she described as timely and impactful. Oshodi further praised the company for demonstrating strong private-sector leadership in advancing Nigeria’s clean energy agenda. She added that industry-led initiatives such as this play a critical role in strengthening national economic growth, industrial resilience, and Africa’s competitiveness.
According to her, it is in compliance with the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), the Paris Agreement, and Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which targets net-zero emissions by 2060 that Nigeria’s clean energy transition must take a deliberate shift from fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and diesel to sustainable sources including solar, wind, and hydropower.
Oshodi highlighted the country’s current energy realities, limited electricity access, heavy reliance on biomass for cooking, and the health and environmental consequences of prolonged generator and firewood use. She noted that while delayed transition comes at a high cost to public health, forests, and emissions, a poorly financed rapid transition could also strain economic stability.
She further outlined ongoing national and sub-national initiatives, including the implementation of the Energy Transition Plan, expansion of domestic solar manufacturing, the issuance of a ₦50 billion green bond, and Lagos State’s clean energy projects such as solar street lighting, solar-powered public facilities, electric public transport, biodigesters, and the 80 million Clean Cookstoves Initiative.
A panel of discussants featuring Olufemi Ajileye, General Manager Operations, Rite Foods, Olumide Idowu, climate advocate, Shofela Akinbode, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Special Duties and Climate Change, and Eustace Onuegbu, Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability expert, explored policy frameworks, technological innovation, financing models, and the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable industrial growth.
Highlighting the operational impact of this transition, Femi Ajileye, General Manager, Operations, Rite Foods Limited, noted that sustainability is embedded within the company’s production systems.
“Clean and efficient energy systems are fundamentally about smarter operations. Investments in energy efficiency in the long run lower total cost of ownership, even if initial capital costs are higher. They also reduce maintenance costs and improve asset lifespan, which in-turn, enhance predictability in energy spending.
“For a manufacturer like us, this translates into stronger cost leadership, improved margins, and the ability to reinvest savings into innovation, quality, and market expansion.” he stated.
Beyond energy sourcing, the company has adopted disciplined energy management practices that deliver low energy intensity per unit of production, outperforming typical industry benchmarks. Continuous investments in modern equipment, automation, and process optimization have further strengthened cost efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced manufacturing competitiveness.
The event also featured goodwill messages from representatives of the Food and Beverages Recycling Alliance (FBRA), Federal Ministry of Environment, Sterling One Foundation, and GZI Industries, reinforcing the value of strong public-private partnerships in accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
