The 12th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) conference sought to harmonise the present condition of Nigeria’s extractive sector with global development goals through an evaluation of governance, policies and their execution.

Stakeholders said with the current global landscape, the imperative for environmental responsibility and a transition to cleaner energy sources was more evident than ever.

According to them, as nations commit to international agreements like the Paris Agreement, the need for concrete actions becomes apparent.

Chief Executive, CSR-in-Action and convener of SITEI, Bekeme Masade-Olowola, said the transition to clean and renewable energy was driven not only by a commitment to public health but also by its potential to generate jobs and stimulate economic growth through a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

She said the move was to facilitate collaboration, ensuring that governmental policies and mediating organisations play a pivotal role in the enforcement of policies.

Head of Business Ethics at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Murjanatu Gamawa, said the theme ‘The SDGs and the Extractive Sector: Aligning Governance, Policies, and Practices’, was apt, especially, stating that with Nigeria being a signatory to the Paris Agreement, there was the need to embrace the transition.

Despite the current cost barriers, she affirmed that NNPC was dedicated to prioritising natural gas as a transitional energy source and investing in renewable and cleaner energy alternatives.

Co-Head, Energy and Resource Practice at Templars, Dayo Okusami, also emphasised the practical significance of economic viability in policy implementation, particularly in the context of environmental policies and the energy transition.

He stated, “Effective policy implementation pivots on economic viability that caters to both consumers and suppliers. Our dedication to this transition must exhibit a steadfast and enduring nature.”