The Federal Government of Nigeria has formally admitted the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme-Nigeria National Committee (IGGP-NNC) into the National Council on Hydrocarbons, marking a significant step toward mainstreaming United Nations policy and advocacy frameworks on sustainable earth resource management in the country’s petroleum industry. The Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Petroleum Resources had communicated the approval to the Committee Chairman.
This development aligns with UNESCO’s commitment to balancing resource extraction with geoheritage conservation to facilitate the development of UNESCO Global Geoparks in Nigeria.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of the UNESCO IGGP-NNC, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its commitment to integrating international best practices into Nigeria’s hydrocarbon management. He emphasized that since the inauguration of the UNESCO Committee to drive the implementation of the IGGP Statutes in Nigeria, the government has demonstrated strong resolve in aligning the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) with international frameworks that seek to balance resource extraction with community-driven geoheritage conservation.
Dr. Isyaku also highlighted the critical role of climate change adaptation in shaping Nigeria’s oil and gas policies. He stated:
“The Ministry of Petroleum Resources is a statutory institutional member of the UNESCO IGGP-NNC and our inclusion is not only a step toward sustainable hydrocarbon resource management but also ensures that climate change adaptation remains at the forefront of Nigeria’s petroleum sector policies. The IGGP-NNC is committed to working closely with the Federal Government to ensure the full and effective implementation of the PIA within the global context of sustainable development.”
He further noted that UNESCO provides funding for research and development in the petroleum industry under its flagship International Geoscience Programme (IGCP), creating opportunities for Nigeria’s geoscientists to contribute to global scientific advancements.
“We have already established expert working groups across all geoscience and Geopark themes, and very soon, Nigeria’s technical expertise and unique geoscience issues will be showcased at the global level,” Dr. Isyaku added.
The admission of the UNESCO IGGP-NNC into the National Council on Hydrocarbons signifies a progressive shift in Nigeria’s approach to sustainable hydrocarbon resource management, ensuring that global best practices in geoscience research, geoconservation, and climate resilience are integrated into national policies.
