Ford Foundation’s grantee partners across Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana are developing innovative solutions to address the impacts of extractive industries, climate change, and energy transitions on community rights, livelihoods, and ecosystems in the region.

A statement on Sunday obtained by The PUNCH, explained that at a meeting hosted by the Ford Foundation in Lagos, several partners gathered to share how their work is empowering communities and driving sustainable solutions for a fairer energy future.

The event, which was attended by Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken, explored the importance of partnership and local leadership in shaping Africa’s energy future.

The Regional Director for West Africa at the Ford Foundation, Dr Chi Chi Aniagolu, said, “West Africa’s communities face overlapping climate, social, and economic pressures, and the region’s energy transition presents both opportunities and risks. These discussions with our partners highlight concrete approaches to ensure that the shift to clean energy strengthens community rights, promotes accountability, and delivers sustainable benefits for both people and the environment.”

The NRCJ Programme Officer for the Ford Foundation’s West Africa office, Emmanuel Kuyole, guided discussions on green industrialisation, energy access, and the just transition from fossil fuels, helping partners identify practical solutions that balance economic growth, community rights, and climate accountability.

Partners highlighted tangible achievements advancing justice across West Africa, demonstrating how their work intersects to support a fair energy transition.

The Executive Director of Spaces for Change, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, underscored the links between energy poverty and gender-based violence in Nigeria’s extractive communities.

“Our research shows that energy poverty exposes women to health risks, domestic burdens, and economic vulnerability. By advocating for clean cooking fuels and safer energy alternatives, we are not only cutting emissions but also reducing risks to women and girls”, Ibezim-Ohaeri said.

The Senior Advisor for Africa at Sustainable, Lanre Shosore, highlighted initiatives expanding clean energy access for small businesses and agricultural communities, asserting, “Energy access is not just about megawatts. It is about whether a woman can process her farm produce, whether a small business can operate, and whether a community can earn a living. Reliable, affordable energy strengthens dignity, productivity, and resilience.”

The Executive Director of the Centre for Research and Action on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, Fatima Diallo, stressed the value of regional collaboration in shaping equitable energy transition policies.

“Countries face similar pressures from debt, climate risk, and energy poverty, and they are stronger when they act together. Our platforms help governments and civil society learn from each other and push for policies that leave no one behind,” she said.

The Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, Daryl Bosu, underscored the need to align energy transition with environmental protection.

“An energy transition that destroys ecosystems or sidelines local people is not sustainable. By equipping communities with information and advocacy tools, we ensure development respects both nature and human wellbeing,” he said.