At the 13th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference, which was recently held at the Ford Foundation in Lagos, top industry players, policymakers, and international experts were brought together by CSR-in-Action Group, a prominent voice in sustainability advocacy.
The event’s theme: “Extractives for Green Growth: The Strategic Role of Extractives in the Just Transition into an Inclusive Green Economy,” focused on Africa’s particular opportunities and challenges in attaining sustainable economic development through innovation and inclusivity while examining the transformative potential of extractive industries in the green economy transition.
In his opening remarks, SITEI’s Chief Executive and Convener, Bekeme Masade-Olowola, emphasized CSR-in-Action’s dedication to promoting long-term transformation in Nigeria’s extractive sectors.
Continuing, she had this to say: “Growth can best be achieved through interdependence and adaptive innovation.
“At CSR-in-Action, we have embraced cultural humility and deep respect for all stakeholders, a necessity in the extractives sector, where host communities are significantly impacted by the just transition. This respect brings rewards not only for today but for years to come,” she added.
Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, Regional Director of Ford Foundation West Africa, advocated for an African-centric approach to green energy in his keynote lecture, where she said: “Transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy is pivotal, and we must approach it through an African lens. Africa’s transition is not an end to extraction but a shift that maintains autonomy and enables economic control.”
Olumide Idowu, Executive Director of International Climate Change Development Initiative Africa, led discussions with notable individuals such as Dr. Victoria Gbadegesin from Cambridge University, Lucy Okeke from the National Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Dele Ayanleke from the Miners Association of Nigeria, and Dr. Bunmi Akinlade from the Lagos State SDG Office during an interesting first panel titled “Multi-Stakeholder Engagement in Policy Development for the Shift to Green Growth.” Speakers emphasized how local solutions may propel cleaner, more sustainable energy initiatives as the panelists examined Nigeria’s potential for an energy transformation.
Lookman Martins, Group Head of Access Bank’s Commercial Banking Division; Bankole Oloruntoba, CEO of the Nigeria Climate Innovation Center; Dr. Babatunde Ajayi of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency; and Foluke Michael, CEO of Caterina D’Medici Africa. The conversation covered the difficulties in developing profitable and sustainable financing models and highlighted innovative financial techniques that are crucial for green economic projects.
Speakers from North America and Africa gathered for the third panel at the conference, “Resource Curse: Solutions for an African Extractive Renaissance,” to discuss approaches for sustainably managing natural resources. Panelists included Titus Arannilewa, Assistant General Manager, HSE & ESG at North South Power; Dr. Pete Hollings, NOHFC IRC Chair in Mineral Exploration at Lakehead University, Ontario; and Georgia Mutagahywa, Corporate Communications and Country Liaison Manager. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Achare Takor, Head of Intellectual Property Practice at Centurion Law Group. To guarantee more fair economic results, this panel discussed how African countries can rethink their resource management strategies.
Many people found resonance in Dr. Hollings’s talk, “Sustainable Mining: The Canadian Experience,” in which he discussed Canada’s achievements and difficulties in the field of responsible mining.
According to him: “Despite Canada’s advancements, achieving true transparency and avoiding superficial greenwashing remains challenging. Sustainable mining should involve zero-footprint goals, green technology, and renewable power sources, but we must also protect indigenous lands and cultures.”
The SITEI Green Financing Solution Competition pitch, in which finalists Taiwo Adewole and Favour Onsachi offered creative answers to the financial challenges of green economies, served as the conference’s high point. Taiwo Adewole won ₦250,000 after receiving 87% of the online votes, and Favour Onsachi was given a special commendation plaque. Opportunities for media marketing will also help both finalists present their concepts.
The commitment of CSR-in-Action to promoting critical dialogue and cooperation that propels sustainable developments in Nigeria’s extractive industries and moves Africa closer to a more equitable and greener economic future was reaffirmed during the 13th SITEI Conference. Along with important partners including NEITI, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Zenera Consulting, and the Miners Association of Nigeria, the event was sponsored by the Ford Foundation, Access Bank, and Pistis Life and Leadership Institute.
