Energy
Rite Foods Urges Clean Energy Shift as Nigeria Balances Growth and Climate Goals
Rite Foods Limited has challenged manufacturers, regulators and policymakers to accelerate the adoption of clean energy, warning that Nigeria’s industrial future depends on a balanced and well-planned transition.
The call came as the company hosted a high-level multi-stakeholder forum in Lagos to mark the 2026 International Day of Clean Energy, bringing together government officials, energy experts, sustainability advocates and industry players.
The engagement, held at Rite Foods’ head office in Opebi, focused on how Nigeria can grow its manufacturing sector while reducing environmental damage and energy risks.
Why it matters
Nigeria’s manufacturing sector relies heavily on diesel generators, raising production costs and carbon emissions.
With unreliable grid power and rising fuel prices, energy has become one of the biggest threats to business survival, job creation and consumer prices.
Rite Foods said cleaner energy offers a pathway to protect businesses, reduce environmental harm and support long-term economic growth.
Rite Foods’ clean energy shift
The company disclosed that 95% of its energy consumption now comes from cleaner sources, including natural gas and solar power.
Diesel accounts for just 5% of its energy mix, a significant shift in a sector still dominated by fossil fuels.
Rite Foods said the move has helped cut emissions while maintaining steady production across its factories nationwide.
Corporate view
Opening the event, Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, said clean energy sits at the heart of the company’s strategy.
“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,” he said.
The company described its approach as a balance between operational resilience and environmental responsibility in Nigeria’s difficult power environment.
CEO: energy is about business survival
In remarks delivered on his behalf, Rite Foods’ Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Seleem Adegunwa, said energy security is now a core business concern.
“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,” he said.
He added that long-term investments in cleaner energy are essential for 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.
Government perspective
Delivering the keynote address, Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Lagos State Governor, described clean energy as both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity.
She said Nigeria must deliberately move away from oil, gas and diesel towards renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydropower.
The transition, she noted, aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 7, the Paris Agreement, and Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which targets net-zero emissions by 2060.
Oshodi highlighted the country’s current challenges, including limited electricity access, dependence on biomass for cooking and the health risks linked to generators and firewood.
She warned that delayed action carries high public health and environmental costs, while a poorly financed rapid transition could also hurt economic stability.
Public–private partnerships
Commending Rite Foods for convening the dialogue, Oshodi described the forum as timely and impactful.
She said private-sector leadership is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s industrial resilience and Africa’s global competitiveness.
She also outlined ongoing initiatives, including the ₦50bn green bond, domestic solar manufacturing expansion and Lagos State projects such as solar street lighting, electric public transport and the 80 million Clean Cookstoves Initiative.
Industry and expert reactions
A panel discussion featuring energy, climate and sustainability experts examined financing models, policy frameworks and collaboration across sectors.
Femi Ajileye, General Manager, Operations at Rite Foods, said clean energy investments ultimately improve efficiency and reduce costs.
“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,” he said.
He added that reduced maintenance costs and longer asset lifespan improve 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,” Ajileye said.
Experts at the forum agreed that Nigeria’s transition must be inclusive, data-driven and carefully paced.
“If managed wisely, clean energy will not slow Nigeria’s growth, rather it will redefine it,” they said.
What’s next
Rite Foods said it will continue investing in modern equipment, automation and energy-efficient systems to reduce emissions and strengthen competitiveness.
The company called on regulators and industry players to align policies and financing structures to support cleaner manufacturing across Nigeria.
Awards and recognition
Rite Foods’ sustainability efforts have earned it several recognitions, including Outstanding FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year at the Edge Awards.
The company has also received multiple honours at the Sustainability, Innovation and Social Impact (SISA) Awards and the SERAS Awards.
JMG Limited has marked World Engineering Day 2026 by calling for stronger investment in smart and sustainable engineering systems to power Nigeria’s industries and cities.
The company said this year’s theme, “Smart Engineering for a Sustainable Future through Innovation and Digitalisation,” reflects the urgent need for cleaner, more efficient energy solutions in a country battling power shortages and rising energy costs.
World Engineering Day is observed annually on 4 March, following its proclamation by UNESCO, to highlight the role engineers play in development worldwide.
Why It Matters
Nigeria’s unreliable grid power has forced many businesses and households to rely on generators, increasing costs and carbon emissions.
What JMG Is Saying
Rabi Jammal, Chief Commercial Officer at JMG, said engineering goes beyond technical systems.
“Engineering is more than machines and systems; it is about impact. Smart engineering enables businesses to operate efficiently, cities to function reliably, and communities to grow sustainably. Through innovation and digitalisation, we are redefining how energy is generated, managed, and optimised across Nigeria.”
The company provides electro-mechanical solutions including power generation, solar systems, electrical infrastructure, air compressors, cooling systems, and vertical transportation such as elevators and escalators.
JMG said its teams of mechanical, electrical, electronics, computer and chemical engineers work to reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency for clients.
Sustainability Drive Since 2018
JMG said it has prioritised renewable and hybrid energy systems since 2018.
The company introduced Lithion inverters and batteries, followed by Livfast systems in 2022.
In 2024, it expanded its solar portfolio to include LONGi solar panels, Deye lithium batteries and Must solar inverters, offering alternatives to conventional fuel-powered systems.
What’s Next?
JMG says World Engineering Day is both a celebration and a call to action.
The company plans to deepen digital integration in energy monitoring systems and expand access to cost-effective solar solutions across commercial and residential sectors.
Energy
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Partners LPG Retailers to Curb Illegal Gas Sales in Anambra
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State has announced a new partnership with gas retailers aimed at improving safety and tackling illegal activities in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sector.
The collaboration is with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers – Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association (NUPENG-LPGAR).
Officials say the move is designed to prevent unsafe storage, distribution and sales practices that could put lives and property at risk.
Why it matters
Cooking gas use has grown rapidly across Nigeria, as households and businesses shift away from firewood and kerosene.
State Commandant Maku Olatunde said collaboration was necessary to address what he described as “the growing concern of unregistered gas retailers in the state”.
He warned that poorly sited gas facilities could trigger disaster if not properly regulated.
He urged LPG retailers to prioritise safety and comply with industry standards, noting the regulatory role of the NSCDC in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Concerns over substandard cylinders
Speaking during a visit to the NSCDC headquarters in Awka, the Chairman of NUPENG-LPGAR in Anambra, Comrade Tochukwu Ngini, raised alarm over safety violations.
He expressed concern about the circulation of substandard gas cylinders and the presence of high-propane LPG in the market, which he said poses risks to operators and consumers.
Comrade Ngini criticised what he called “sharp practices” by unregistered retailers operating outside the union’s regulatory framework.
“We are here to solicit and perfect arrangements with the NSCDC in conducting joint enforcement operations against unregistered gas retailers, ensure compliance with best practices, and protect the public,” he said.
He pledged the union’s cooperation in promoting safety and security across the sector.
What’s next
Officials say joint enforcement operations are expected to begin, targeting illegal retailers and non-compliant operators.
The NSCDC says it will work with relevant regulatory agencies to strengthen monitoring and ensure adherence to safety standards.
Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for inspections, but industry stakeholders say stricter compliance checks are imminent.
Nigeria’s Inspector-General of Police has hosted members of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to discuss stronger security measures in the country’s oil distribution sector.
The meeting took place on Thursday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Kayode Egbetokun received the delegation led by Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream).
Police said the visit focused on improving collaboration to safeguard Nigeria’s downstream petroleum infrastructure, which includes fuel depots, pipelines and distribution networks.
Why it matters
Nigeria’s downstream sector plays a critical role in ensuring fuel supply across the country.
Disruptions caused by oil theft, pipeline vandalism and industrial unrest have in the past led to fuel shortages, higher transport costs and inflation.
In his remarks, Mr Ugochinyere commended the police leadership for what he described as proactive efforts in protecting national energy assets.
He noted the Force’s role in stabilising operations during recent industrial tensions and in curbing oil theft and vandalism.
The Inspector-General thanked the committee for its recognition and pledged continued commitment.
He said the police would intensify surveillance, improve intelligence sharing and strengthen partnerships with other agencies to secure uninterrupted fuel supply.
He also urged lawmakers to reinforce the legal framework and provide funding for personnel training, surveillance equipment and officers’ welfare.
The broader security picture
The Nigeria Police Force has in recent months increased joint operations with other security agencies to tackle oil-related crimes.
The downstream sector has remained under scrutiny amid reforms and regulatory adjustments aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s energy market.
Lawmakers say legislative backing will be crucial in closing loopholes that allow illegal activities to thrive.
What’s next?
The House Committee is expected to review policy and funding gaps affecting infrastructure protection.
Police authorities say enhanced surveillance technology and specialised training for officers deployed to oil facilities are among immediate priorities.
For many Nigerians, the outcome of this collaboration could directly affect fuel availability and prices in the months ahead.
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