Rite Foods Leads Clean Energy Push as 95% of Its Power Mix Turns Cleaner
Rite Foods Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and clean energy adoption, declaring that 95 per cent of its energy consumption now comes from cleaner sources as it convened a high-level multi-stakeholder dialogue to mark the 2026 International Day of Clean Energy.
The forum, themed “Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition: Balancing Risks, Trade-offs and Opportunities for Sustainable Growth,” brought together government officials, regulators, energy experts, manufacturers, suppliers, sustainability advocates and members of the media to examine practical pathways for integrating renewable energy solutions across Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
Speaking at the event, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Ekuma Eze, described clean energy not as a corporate social responsibility add-on, but as a strategic imperative.
“At Rite Foods, clean energy is not optional; it is a strategic business imperative,” he said. “Our approach acknowledges the realities of industrial operations in Nigeria while deliberately pursuing cleaner, more efficient and more resilient energy solutions that support sustainability, productivity and business continuity.”
The company disclosed that natural gas and solar power account for the bulk of its energy mix, with diesel usage reduced to just five per cent, a significant shift within Nigeria’s challenging power landscape.
Managing Director/CEO Seleem Adegunwa, whose remarks were delivered by General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Barong Asiodu, reiterated that energy resilience remains central to the company’s long-term growth strategy.
“As the manufacturing landscape evolves, companies must proactively strengthen their energy resilience while reducing environmental impact,” Adegunwa stated. “Our investments in cleaner energy reflect disciplined long-term thinking about competitiveness, efficiency and responsible growth.”
Delivering the keynote address, Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Climate Change and Circular Economy, described clean energy as both an environmental necessity and a strategic economic opportunity for Nigeria.
She emphasised that Nigeria’s transition requires a gradual but deliberate shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydropower, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), the Paris Agreement, and Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, which targets net-zero emissions by 2060.
Oshodi highlighted persistent energy access gaps, heavy reliance on biomass for cooking, and the environmental and public health costs of prolonged generator and firewood use. While warning that delayed transition carries significant long-term consequences, she also noted that a poorly financed rapid shift could strain economic stability.
Commending Rite Foods for convening the dialogue, she described the initiative as timely and impactful, underscoring the critical role of private-sector leadership in accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy agenda.
A panel session featuring General Manager, Operations, Olufemi Ajileye; climate advocate Olumide Idowu; Shofela Akinbode of the Special Duties and Climate Change Department; and CSR and sustainability expert Eustace Onuegbu, examined policy frameworks, financing models, technological innovation and cross-sector collaboration.
Ajileye stressed that sustainability is embedded within Rite Foods’ production systems.
“Clean and efficient energy systems are fundamentally about smarter operations,” he said, noting that while initial capital expenditure may be higher, long-term gains include lower total cost of ownership, reduced maintenance costs, improved asset lifespan and more predictable energy spending.
According to the company, disciplined energy management practices have helped it maintain low energy intensity per unit of production, outperforming typical industry benchmarks. Ongoing investments in modern equipment, automation and process optimisation have further strengthened manufacturing competitiveness while lowering environmental impact.
Goodwill messages from the Food and Beverages Recycling Alliance (FBRA), the Federal Ministry of Environment, Sterling One Foundation and GZI Industries reinforced the importance of strong public-private partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition.
Participants agreed that the country’s clean energy journey must be balanced, inclusive and data-driven, shifting from linear energy consumption models to circular systems that foster innovation, green jobs and broader access.
“If managed wisely, clean energy will not slow Nigeria’s growth, it will redefine it,” stakeholders concluded.
Rite Foods’ sustainability drive has earned it multiple industry recognitions, including Outstanding FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year at the Edge Awards and honours at the Sustainability, Innovation and Social Impact (SISA) Awards and the SERAS Awards, reinforcing its positioning as a proudly Nigerian brand pursuing responsible, future-focused growth.
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