A Benin-based non-governmental organization, Connected Advocacy, has engaged the National Centre for Energy and Environment (NCEE) to explore collaboration on strengthening local engagement, research, and public advocacy around Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.
Mr Israel Orekha, Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, made this known during a visit to the centre in Benin on Friday.
Orekha said the organization was keen on bridging the gap between Nigeria’s national energy transition plan and its implementation at local and institutional levels.
He explained that the advocacy visit was part of the implementation of a project titled “Taxation as a Phase-Out Strategy from Africa’s Fossil Fuel Industry”, which is being supported by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).
“There is a national energy transition plan, but implementation remains a major challenge. Our concern is how this transition is domesticated within local processes, institutions and industries, including the oil and gas sector,” he said.
According to Orekha, effective energy transition requires sustained research, capacity building, and advocacy that communicates in a way people understand, particularly in industries and communities directly affected.
“What people do not understand, they cannot support. Awareness and capacity building, backed by research, are critical to driving a just and inclusive transition. That is why we are here — to explore how this centre can help take energy transition conversations beyond policy documents to real, local action,” he added.
Responding, the Director of NCEE, Prof. Emmanuel Ogbomida, welcomed the partnership, describing collaboration as central to the centre’s mandate under the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).
“One of our core focus areas is strong collaboration, both nationally and internationally, especially in research, development and deployment of energy solutions. It is a privilege to host Connected Advocacy because advocacy and public engagement are essential to the acceptability of our projects,” Ogbomida said.
The director noted that NCEE was actively involved in projects linking energy, biosafety, and climate change, with growing emphasis on transitioning Nigeria from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
“Energy transition is at the heart of what we do here, moving from fossil fuel dependence to renewable energy. Renewable energy offers more reliable and sustainable power, addressing the persistent challenge of unstable electricity supply in Nigeria,” he said.
Ogbomida also highlighted ongoing federal initiatives, noting that the current administration has prioritized energy transition.
“The President is deploying solar power projects across the six geopolitical zones, targeting universities and key institutions. This shows that energy transition is not just policy; it is already being implemented, and the Energy Commission is championing that process,” he said.
He stressed that research alone is insufficient without effective communication and advocacy. Partnerships with advocacy groups help translate scientific work into public understanding and policy support.
“No matter how good your research is, if you do not communicate it effectively, the impact will be limited. Advocacy ensures that people understand what is being done and why it matters,” Ogbomida said.
It was reported that both organizations agreed energy transition goes beyond renewable energy deployment to include energy efficiency, retrofitting existing systems, and behavioral change in energy use. They expressed commitment to developing a working framework to guide joint programmes, including workshops, training, and public engagement initiatives.
