By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Participants at the Third Nigeria Socio-Ecological Alternatives Convergence (NSAC) have cautioned Nigeria against repeating the environmental and governance failures that characterised decades of oil and gas exploitation as the country positions itself to benefit from the growing global demand for critical minerals.
The warning was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the convergence organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and partner organisations in Abuja under the theme, “Deforestation, Mining and the Crisis of Human Security in Nigeria.”
The gathering brought together government representatives, traditional institutions, academics, civil society organisations, labour unions, frontline communities, youth and women groups, development partners and environmental justice advocates to examine the implications of the expanding extractive sector and the global energy transition.
Participants noted that the increasing demand for critical minerals required for renewable energy technologies, batteries and electric vehicles presents significant opportunities for economic growth and industrial development in Nigeria.
However, they warned that without strong environmental safeguards, transparent governance and community participation, the rush for critical minerals could create a new cycle of exploitation similar to what occurred in the oil-producing regions of the country.
The communiqué observed that while the world is moving towards cleaner energy sources, there is growing concern that the extraction of minerals needed for that transition may come at a heavy environmental and social cost if not properly regulated.
According to participants, mining expansion in Nigeria is already taking place amid weak environmental governance, poor regulatory enforcement, illegal mining activities, inadequate monitoring and limited institutional capacity.
They noted that host communities continue to bear the environmental, social and health burdens associated with extractive activities while receiving limited benefits from the resources extracted from their lands.
The convergence further observed that forests, wetlands, farmlands and other critical ecosystems are increasingly threatened by mining operations, logging, land acquisitions and poorly regulated development activities.
Participants warned that environmental degradation, illegal mining and climate-related pressures are contributing to displacement, food insecurity, organised crime and worsening socio-economic conditions in many communities across the country.
The conference also expressed concern that community consent, customary land rights and meaningful public participation remain inadequately protected, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to environmental and economic risks.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Omolade Adunbi examined the relationship between critical minerals, decarbonisation and energy transition, urging policymakers to ensure that Nigeria does not sacrifice ecological sustainability and community welfare in pursuit of economic gains.
The convergence heard presentations from renowned environmentalist Nnimmo Bassey and other experts who stressed the need for a development model that prioritises people, ecosystems and long-term sustainability rather than short-term profits.
To prevent a repeat of the mistakes made in the oil and gas sector, participants called for the adoption of a National Just Energy Transition and Critical Minerals Strategy anchored on transparency, accountability, environmental protection and community development.
They also advocated stronger enforcement of environmental and mining laws, the empowerment of regulatory institutions and decisive action against illegal mining and logging activities across the country.
Among the key resolutions adopted was a demand for the mandatory implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for all projects affecting indigenous peoples and host communities, alongside the recognition of customary land rights and equitable benefit-sharing arrangements.
The communiqué further called for independent Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, restoration bonds, mine closure plans, regular environmental audits and public disclosure of licences, contracts and beneficial ownership information within the extractive sector.
Participants equally urged government and industry stakeholders to promote domestic value addition, technology transfer, local content development and sustainable formalisation of artisanal mining to ensure broader economic benefits for Nigerians.
The convergence concluded that Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy must be people-centred, rights-based and environmentally sustainable. Participants stressed that the country’s mineral wealth should serve the interests of communities and future generations, rather than becoming another chapter in the history of environmental degradation and resource-driven inequality.
