The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) will join key stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector to explore strategies for advancing the country’s renewable energy and energy transition agenda at the 2026 Oriental News National Conference.
Scheduled for July 23, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, the conference is themed: “Carbon Capture: Accelerating Decarbonisation Initiatives in Nigeria’s Extractive Industry Through Broad Regulatory Reforms.” It will bring together industry leaders, government agencies, financial institutions, and energy experts to discuss practical solutions for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy development.
The event will also examine the sub-theme: “Addressing Finance Challenges, Investment Strategies, Operational Sustainability and Climate Change Management,” with discussions focused on overcoming barriers to investment and improving sustainability across critical sectors of the economy.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the REA, Abba Abubakar Aliyu, is expected to lead conversations on the agency’s efforts to expand renewable energy access and reduce carbon emissions through solar-powered infrastructure and rural electrification projects.
Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy is being driven by the Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2060. The plan seeks to attract about $410 billion in investments to expand electricity access, improve grid infrastructure, encourage clean cooking solutions, and modernise the country’s power sector.
One of the major initiatives supporting this goal is the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) programme, a $750 million World Bank-backed project designed to provide electricity to more than 17.5 million Nigerians through solar home systems and mini-grids.
The REA has continued to deploy solar mini-grids in underserved communities, helping businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities gain reliable access to electricity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels and the national grid.
The conference will also highlight Nigeria’s efforts to encourage local production of renewable energy components, including solar panels and inverters, as part of broader plans to create jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains. Government incentives such as tax reliefs and special tariffs for renewable energy investors are expected to feature prominently in discussions.
As global pressure mounts on energy producers to reduce emissions, participants will examine how Nigeria’s oil and gas industry can balance environmental commitments with economic growth. Discussions will focus on regulatory reforms, decarbonisation strategies, financing gaps, and investment opportunities that can accelerate the country’s transition to cleaner energy sources.
Now in its fifth year, the Oriental News National Conference has become a platform for engagement among stakeholders in the energy, finance, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. The 2026 edition aims to promote environmental sustainability while addressing challenges facing operators in the oil and gas, petrochemical, and manufacturing industries.
A major feature of the conference will be presentations by industry leaders showcasing successful decarbonisation projects and innovative sustainability initiatives. Participants will also engage in panel discussions, policy dialogues, and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to support both public and private sector efforts toward achieving Nigeria’s climate and energy goals.
Organisers say the conference will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and develop practical strategies for achieving a low-carbon future while maintaining economic competitiveness.
