President Bola Tinubu has urged operators in Nigeria’s extractive industry to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly methods in line with the global shift toward cleaner energy.
Delivering his remarks at the opening session of the 2025 International Conference on Petroleum, Environment, Solid Minerals and Security (ICPESMS) in Abuja, Tinubu—represented by Mahmud Kambari, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment—highlighted the need for low-carbon operations, circular economy strategies, and meaningful community engagement.
The conference, organised by the Petroleum and Solid Minerals Development and Advocacy Association (PESMDAA), carried the theme: “Sustainable Resource Development and Security Stability in the Extractive Sectors.”
Tinubu emphasized that extractive activities, from exploration to closure, must include reducing gas flaring, responsible waste management, and land restoration. He noted that host communities deserve fair compensation, biodiversity protection, and genuine environmental recovery.
“By following these principles, we can build trust, resilience, and long-term prosperity,” Tinubu said, calling on businesses, civil society, academia, the media, and citizens to join government efforts to make the sector more sustainable.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume—represented by Engr. Nadungu Gagare—said the extractive industry has the potential to drive economic transformation but warned that such benefits depend on transparency, inclusiveness, and cooperation among stakeholders.
“A secure and stable extractive sector is vital for peace and national unity,” Akume stated, adding that unchecked exploitation poses threats of environmental destruction and community unrest.
Chairman of PESMDAA, Robert Adah, lamented that communities across the country have been left with the negative consequences of poorly managed resource extraction.
“From Sokoto to Lagos, Maiduguri to Port Harcourt, the experiences are similar. What should be a blessing has too often become a source of degradation and economic waste,” he said. Adah noted that PESMDAA is committed to supporting states in raising revenue while ensuring communities and the federal government benefit fairly from natural resources.
Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, Permanent Secretary of the Ecological Project Office (EPO), represented by the Director of Solid Erosion and Flood Control, Eluma Garba, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to erosion control, flood management, and environmental restoration.
She stressed that cooperation with civil society groups like PESMDAA is essential to safeguard natural resources.
“Together, we can protect the environment and build stronger communities in line with international best practices and Nigeria’s long-term goals,” she said.
