Sustainability group advocates green jobs in extractive industry 

CSR-in-Action Group has called for green job creation, gender-responsive climate policies and expanded access to renewable energy sources in extractive industries.

The call came from research on ‘Earth Women’ by the group, highlighting the economic impact of extraction activities on women in host communities.

In her keynote at the 13th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference, Regional Director of Ford Foundation West Africa, Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, called for an African-centric approach to green energy.

Noting that transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy was pivotal, and we must approach it through an African lens, she said Africa’s transition is not an end to extraction but a shift that maintains autonomy and enables economic control.

Speaking on the theme ‘Extractives for Green Growth: The Strategic Role of Extractives in the Just Transition into an Inclusive Green Economy’, she underscored the continent’s need to leverage its resources for long-term growth.

Chief Executive and Convener of SITEI, Bekeme Masade-Olowola, underlined CSR-in-Action’s commitment to fostering sustainable change in Nigeria’s extractive industries.

She said the event was to examine the transformative potential of extractive industries in the green economy transition, spotlighting Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities in achieving sustainable economic development through innovation and inclusivity.

According to her, 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 said.

At the panel session, the panellists explored Nigeria’s energy transition potential, underscoring how local solutions could drive cleaner, more sustainable energy initiatives.