The managing director and chief executive officer of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Abba Aliyu will join industry leaders, government agencies and financial institutions at the 2026 Oriental News national conference to discuss Nigeria’s energy transition and renewable energy strategy.
The conference, themed “Carbon Capture: Accelerating Decarbonization Initiatives In Nigeria’s Extractive Industry Through Broad Regulatory Reforms,” is scheduled to hold on July 23, 2026, at Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos.
Organisers said the event will bring together stakeholders from the energy, finance and industrial sectors to examine ways of reducing carbon emissions, improving sustainability and addressing challenges facing Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
The conference will also focus on a sub-theme, “Addressing Finance Challenges, Investment Strategies, Operational Sustainability and Climate Change Management.”
Aliyu is expected to discuss the REA’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions through renewable energy projects, including the deployment of solar mini grids in rural communities.
Nigeria’s energy transition is being driven by the Energy Transition Plan, which targets net zero emissions by 2060. The plan focuses on expanding renewable energy, strengthening the power sector, promoting clean cooking solutions and reducing reliance on petrol and diesel generators.
A major part of the strategy is the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale Up programme, a World Bank-backed initiative aimed at providing electricity to more than 17.5 million Nigerians through solar home systems and mini grids.
The REA has been expanding community-based solar projects to improve electricity access for rural businesses, healthcare facilities and underserved communities.
The conference will also examine efforts to promote local manufacturing of solar panels, inverters and other renewable energy equipment, as well as government policies designed to attract private sector investment into the industry.
According to the organisers, the event is intended to encourage dialogue on regulatory reforms, financing gaps and practical pathways for achieving Nigeria’s emissions reduction goals.
Now in its fifth year, the Oriental News conference focuses on issues affecting the oil and gas, petrochemical and manufacturing sectors, with particular attention to environmental sustainability and climate-related challenges.
The programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and policy sessions involving representatives of the petroleum industry, manufacturers, financial institutions and regulatory agencies.
Organisers said the conference will also showcase case studies from companies that have made progress in reducing emissions and adopting sustainable business practices.
The event is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, discuss industry trends and explore strategies for balancing environmental commitments with business objectives.
