By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Policy Alert, in partnership with the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) and BudgIT Foundation, has announced a regional stakeholders’ dialogue aimed at bolstering fiscal resilience in the Niger Delta amid the global energy transition.
In a statement issued ahead of the event, Tijan Bolton Akpan, Executive Director of Policy Alert, expressed concern over the region’s heavy dependence on federal transfers. Despite being Nigeria’s oil and gas hub, the Niger Delta faces increasing fiscal challenges as the world shifts towards renewable energy.
Akpan noted:
“This dialogue aims to address these challenges and foster a resilient future for the region, building on insights from Akwa Ibom State, which has served as the pilot for research on fiscal resilience amid the energy transition. The energy transition places the Niger Delta at a crossroads. States in the region remain overly dependent on federally distributed oil revenues, at a time when the world is beating a retreat from fossil fuels.”
The event will explore strategies for subnational governments to navigate fiscal risks brought about by the energy transition. It aims to equip stakeholders with actionable recommendations to mitigate fiscal shocks and seize opportunities to build a more sustainable future.
Tengi George-Ikoli, Senior Officer at NRGI, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating:
“The global energy transition is a key moment for fossil fuel-dependent economies like Nigeria, particularly for states in the Niger Delta that heavily rely on oil revenues. As the world steadily moves away from fossil fuels, these states face economic uncertainty and the urgent need to rethink their fiscal strategies.
“This dialogue is a step toward ensuring that Niger Delta states are not left behind but instead emerge as leaders in harnessing the opportunities of a low-carbon future. We look forward to Akwa Ibom State’s leadership in adopting policies that can serve as a model for other oil-producing states.”
The event will bring together government officials, civil society organizations, community leaders, and young people to foster collaborative discussions and develop practical solutions to enhance the region’s fiscal resilience.
The dialogue is expected to set the stage for actionable reforms that will enable oil-producing states to adapt to the energy transition and chart a path towards sustainable development.
