Rite Foods Limited has intensified calls for accelerated clean energy adoption in Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, using the 2026 International Day of Clean Energy to rally policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates around a coordinated energy transition strategy.
The Nigerian FMCG giant hosted a high-level multi-stakeholders’ forum at its Lagos headquarters, bringing together representatives from government, the private sector, civil society and the media to examine how renewable energy can support sustainable industrial growth without undermining business continuity. Discussions centred on managing risks, trade-offs and long-term opportunities as Nigeria navigates its energy transition.
Rite Foods disclosed that 95 per cent of its current energy mix now comes from cleaner sources, including natural gas and solar power, with diesel accounting for just 5 per cent. The company said the shift has significantly reduced its carbon footprint while supporting uninterrupted manufacturing operations in Nigeria’s challenging power environment.
Speaking at the event, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, Ekuma Eze, described clean energy as a core pillar of the company’s business model, rather than a compliance-driven initiative. He noted that the company’s energy decisions are shaped by the need for efficiency, resilience and long-term sustainability within Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
In remarks delivered on behalf of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Seleem Adegunwa, Rite Foods’ management reiterated that energy security remains critical to manufacturing competitiveness. The company said its investments in cleaner energy solutions are designed to lower long-term operating costs, reduce exposure to fuel price volatility and strengthen production reliability.
The keynote address was delivered by the Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, Titilayo Oshodi, who positioned clean energy as both an environmental necessity and an economic opportunity for Nigeria. She outlined the country’s Energy Transition Plan, which targets net-zero emissions by 2060, and stressed the importance of aligning private-sector action with national and global climate commitments.
Oshodi highlighted Nigeria’s current energy challenges, including limited grid access, dependence on biomass for cooking and the health risks associated with generators and firewood use. She warned that delayed action would deepen environmental and public health costs, while poorly structured transitions could strain economic stability.
Panel sessions at the forum explored policy frameworks, financing models, technology deployment and cross-sector collaboration, with speakers agreeing that manufacturers must play a leading role in driving practical, data-driven solutions. Rite Foods executives also explained how energy efficiency investments have reduced operating costs, improved asset lifespan and enhanced production predictability.
Beyond energy sourcing, the company said it has embedded efficiency measures across its production systems, achieving low energy intensity per unit of output compared to industry benchmarks. Investments in modern equipment, automation and process optimisation were cited as key contributors to improved cost control and environmental performance.
Participants at the forum concluded that Nigeria’s clean energy transition must be inclusive and balanced, shifting towards circular energy systems that support innovation, job creation and industrial competitiveness.
Rite Foods’ sustainability leadership has earned multiple industry recognitions, reinforcing its position as a Nigerian manufacturer using clean energy adoption to drive responsible growth and long-term value creation.
