Rite Foods Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and clean energy adoption, marking the 2026 International Day of Clean Energy with a high-level multi-stakeholder engagement on Nigeria’s energy transition and industrial sustainability.
The event, held at the company’s head office in Opebi, Lagos, brought together government officials, regulators, energy experts, manufacturers, suppliers, sustainability advocates, and media representatives.
The forum, themed “Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition: Balancing Risks, Trade-offs and Opportunities for Sustainable Growth,” focused on practical pathways for integrating renewable energy solutions across Nigeria’s FMCG sector.
Speaking at the opening, Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, emphasized that clean energy is central to the company’s long-term strategy.
“At Rite Foods, clean energy is not optional; it is a strategic business imperative. We deliberately pursue cleaner, more efficient, and resilient energy solutions that support sustainability, productivity, and business continuity,” he said.
Rite Foods disclosed that 95% of its energy consumption now comes from cleaner sources, including natural gas and solar power, while diesel accounts for only 5%. This shift has significantly reduced the company’s reliance on carbon-intensive fuels across its manufacturing operations.
The company’s Managing Director/CEO, Seleem Adegunwa, through Mrs. Barong Asiodu, General Manager of Corporate Planning and Strategy, reiterated Rite Foods’ commitment to embedding sustainability into its growth plans while balancing operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.
“Energy is a business continuity priority. Our investments in cleaner energy reflect disciplined long-term thinking about competitiveness, efficiency, and responsible growth,” Adegunwa said.
Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor of Lagos State, delivered the keynote address, highlighting clean energy as both an environmental necessity and a strategic economic opportunity.
She noted that Nigeria’s transition from fossil fuels to sustainable sources like solar, wind, and hydropower aligns with SDG 7, the Paris Agreement, and Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), which targets net-zero emissions by 2060.
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Oshodi also drew attention to Nigeria’s energy challenges, including limited electricity access, heavy reliance on biomass for cooking, and the environmental and health impacts of prolonged generator use.
She emphasized that well-planned clean energy adoption could simultaneously improve public health, reduce emissions, and support industrial competitiveness.
The panel discussion featured Olufemi Ajileye, General Manager, Operations at Rite Foods; Olumide Idowu, climate advocate; Shofela Akinbode, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Special Duties and Climate Change; and Eustace Onuegbu, sustainability expert. Discussions explored policy frameworks, financing models, technological innovation, and cross-sector collaboration as key drivers of sustainable industrial growth.
Ajileye highlighted the operational benefits of clean energy, noting: “Investments in energy efficiency lower total cost of ownership, reduce maintenance costs, and improve asset lifespan. For manufacturers like us, this strengthens cost leadership, improves margins, and enables reinvestment into innovation and market expansion.”
Beyond energy sourcing, Rite Foods has implemented disciplined energy management practices, achieving low energy intensity per unit of production. Investments in modern equipment, automation, and process optimization have further enhanced efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and strengthened competitiveness.
Goodwill messages from representatives of the Food and Beverages Recycling Alliance (FBRA), Federal Ministry of Environment, Sterling One Foundation, and GZI Industries underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in accelerating Nigeria’s clean energy transition.
Experts at the forum agreed that Nigeria’s shift to clean energy must be balanced, inclusive, and data-driven, moving from linear energy consumption to circular systems that promote innovation, green jobs, and equitable access.
“If managed wisely, clean energy will not slow Nigeria’s growth; rather, it will redefine it,” the panel concluded.
Rite Foods’ leadership in sustainability has earned multiple recognitions, including Outstanding FMCG Corporate Brand of the Year at the Edge Awards, as well as honours at the Sustainability, Innovation and Social Impact (SISA) Awards and SERAS Awards, cementing its reputation as a proudly Nigerian brand driving responsible and future-focused growth.