Participants at the Third Nigeria Socio-Ecological Alternatives Convergence (NSAC) have cautioned the country against repeating the environmental and governance failures that have characterised decades of oil and gas exploitation as it 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 included government representatives, traditional institutions, academics, civil society organisations, labour unions, frontline communities, youth and women groups, development partners and environmental justice advocates to discuss the implications of the expanding extractive sector and global energy transition.
Participants said the increasing demand for critical minerals needed for renewable energy technologies, batteries and electric vehicles presents great opportunities for economic growth and industrial development in Nigeria.
But they cautioned 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.
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The communiqué said 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.
Mining expansion in Nigeria is already happening in the midst of weak environmental governance, weak regulatory enforcement, illegal mining activities, lack of monitoring and limited institutional capacity, participants said.
They said host communities continue to bear environmental, social and health costs associated with extractive activities, while receiving little in the way of benefits from the resources taken from their territories.
The convergence also showed that forests, wetlands, farmlands and other vital ecosystems are under increased threat from mining operations, logging, land acquisitions and poorly regulated development activities.
Participants warned that environmental degradation, illegal mining and climate-related pressures are leading to displacement, food insecurity, organised crime and deteriorating socio-economic conditions in many communities across the country.
The conference also worried that community consent, customary land rights and meaningful public participation are still not adequately protected and this leaves vulnerable populations exposed to environmental and economic risks.
Prof. Omolade Adunbi in his keynote address, discussed the nexus between critical minerals, decarbonisation and energy transition, called on policymakers to ensure that Nigeria does not sacrifice ecological sustainability and community welfare in the name of economic gains.
Among experts who made presentations at the convergence was renowned environmentalist, Nnimmo Bassey, who advocated a development model that prioritises people, ecosystems and long-term sustainability over short-term profits.
Participants demanded the adoption of a National Just Energy Transition and Critical Minerals Strategy based on transparency, accountability, environmental protection and community development so as to avoid repeating the mistakes of the oil and gas sector.
They also called for better enforcement of environmental and mining laws, strengthening of regulatory institutions and strong action against illegal mining and logging activities in the country.
A key resolution adopted was the call for mandatory application of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for all projects affecting indigenous peoples and host communities, along with the recognition of customary land rights and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms.
The communiqué also 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.
They equally called on the 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 reached the conclusion that Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon economy should 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, not become another chapter in the history of environmental degradation and resource-driven inequality.
