Spaces for Change S4C, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative NEITI, National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency NOSDRA, and other stakeholders have called for a sustainable development of Nigerias mineral sector with increased participation of host communities.
The stakeholders made the call at the ongoing National Extractive Dialogue 2025 NED with the theme, "Transitions, Divestments and Critical Minerals: Charting A Just Future for Nigerias Extractive Sector", in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, adding that harnessing Nigerias critical minerals is necessary for the global clean energy transition.
Executive Director, Spaces for Change, Mrs Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said that as the world races towards energy transition, Nigeria should make informed choices on regulation, environmental accountability and community protection.
She said: "The exploration and production of oil and gas have already impacted the communities. The environment has not been restored before the International Oil Companies, IoCs, divestment of assets to indigenous companies. We should not allow what happened to oil and gas communities to be extended to the mining sector."