By Abdullahi Lukman
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has urged the Nigerian government to leverage the country’s tax system to accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, warning that without urgent fiscal reforms, Nigeria may miss its NetZero2050 target.
At a workshop in Benin on Thursday, May 8, 2025, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa, highlighted the importance of implementing Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan with speed and transparency.
The workshop, titled “Fossil Fuel Transition Using the Instrumentality of Taxation,” was organized in collaboration with Tax Justice Network Africa and Connected Advocacy.
It brought together civil society leaders, climate advocates, and media representatives from Edo State.
Musa expressed the imperative for Nigeria to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and use taxation to promote clean energy alternatives while ensuring the protection of jobs and communities that may be affected by the transition.
He argued that fossil fuel dependence has not only contributed to environmental degradation but also deepened poverty in oil-producing regions.
“Tax justice is a critical tool in addressing the environmental and social imbalances caused by fossil fuels,” Musa said.
“It’s time for the government to take action on the energy transition with a clear strategy that involves communities and ensures a just process for all.”
The workshop also examined how the government could use progressive taxes to discourage the consumption of fossil fuels and redirect the resources into renewable energy initiatives.
Experts at the event proposed increasing taxes on gasoline, diesel, and petroleum products, as well as on energy-inefficient technologies, as part of a broader strategy to fund the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
Israel Orekha, Executive Director of Connected Advocacy, noted that Edo State, as an oil-producing state, is central to Nigeria’s energy transition discussions.
He called for greater awareness among local communities about the impact of climate change and the need for clean energy solutions.
During his lecture, taxation expert Mr. Chinedu Bassey advocated for a tax system that would reduce fossil fuel use and encourage the adoption of sustainable energy practices.
He also suggested taxing inefficient energy-consuming appliances as a way to shift consumer behavior toward more environmentally friendly alternatives.
The workshop called for continued collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector to ensure that Nigeria’s energy transition is fair, equitable, and effective in achieving a greener future.