Nigeria Facing Skills Shortage In Energy Sector-Ogene

Nigeria is facing a major skills shortage in its renewable energy sector, with nearly half of its labour needs unmet.

Chairman of the House Committee on Renewable Energy, Afam Ogene, stated this in Abuja at the Africa Policy Dialogue workshop with the theme: Green jobs and low carbon transition.

According to him, the shortfall in trained personnel has hindered the growth of green industries and stalled employment opportunities.

“Today, nearly 50 percent of skilled labour needs in Nigeria’s renewable energy sector remain unmet,” Ogene said.

“Employers across the country consistently report difficulty hiring qualified technicians, engineers, and system operators.”

He attributed the gap not to a lack of resources but to weak policies, insufficient knowledge transfer, and poor alignment between education and industry needs.

“This is not just a workforce issue—it’s a policy problem,” Ogene said, adding that most of the equipment used in renewable power generation is still imported, despite the availability of local raw materials.

Citing China’s success in creating over seven million green jobs through policy-backed programmes, he urged Nigerian institutions and lawmakers to act decisively to create similar opportunities, especially for women and young people.

Ogene reaffirmed the commitment of the legislature to draft effective legislation that aligns with existing laws and supports Nigeria’s energy transition goals.

Also speaking Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Abbas, Tajudeen represented by Deputy Minority Whip, George Ozodinobi, praised the committee’s efforts, saying the 10th Assembly is committed to closing policy gaps and driving inclusive growth.

“We understand the strategic importance of green energy—not only for its environmental benefits but also its economic potential,” Abbas said.

On her part, Victoria Manya of the INCLUDE Knowledge Platform warned that the energy transition must not become a tool for entrenched fossil fuel interests.

“In Nigeria, too many young people are unemployed, and too many women are locked out of emerging green sectors,” she said.

“We must reclaim the energy transition as both a climate necessity and a social contract for the next generation.”

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji