NAPPDRR, Experts Push Fiscal Reforms, Renewable Investments for Oil-Producing States Economic Sustainability
By Ekemini Simon
The Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR) and other stakeholders have called for urgent fiscal reforms, improved revenue management, and investments in renewable energy to secure the economic future of Nigeria’s oil-producing states amid the global energy transition.
This call was made during a National Policy Dialogue on Economic Diversification and Fiscal Sustainability of Oil-Producing States, held in Abuja on Monday and organized by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) in collaboration with Budgit, Policy Alert, and other partners.
The forum brought together policymakers, civil society groups, and development experts to discuss strategies for building subnational fiscal resilience and reducing dependence on oil revenues.
The dialogue harped on the need for economic diversification, fiscal resilience, and sustainable development as Nigeria moves toward reduced dependence on oil revenues. Participants also urged state governments to adopt fiscal rules and budgetary reforms, enhance internal revenue mobilization, and strengthen institutional capacity for effective governance.
The event featured the launch of a pilot program report titled “Strengthening Subnational Fiscal Resilience to Minimize the Impact of the Energy Transition”, covering Bayelsa, Delta, and Akwa Ibom States. The report outlined the risks posed by the global shift from fossil fuels, its economic implications for subnational governments, and emerging opportunities in renewable energy and non-oil sectors.
Tengi George Ikoli, Country Director of NRGI, who moderated the Panel Discussion birthed key recommendations including the need for oil producing States to implement fiscal rules and budgetary reforms; enhance revenue mobilization and management; invest in renewable energy and sustainable development; strengthen institutional capacity for effective governance.
Representing the Network Advancement Program for Poverty and Disaster Risk Reduction (NAPPDRR) at the dialogue, Hon. Emem Edoho, the organisation’s Executive Director, applauded the initiative as timely.
“The dialogue highlighted the urgent need for economic diversification and fiscal sustainability in Nigeria’s oil-producing states,” Edoho said. “We commend NRGI, Budgit, and Policy Alert for advancing transparency and accountability in the extractive industries.”
Edoho reaffirmed NAPPDRR’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote inclusive governance and sustainable development in oil-producing communities across Nigeria.