The new collaboration, under a Memorandum of Understanding, will provide African businesses, investors, and governments with access to advanced carbon accounting, reporting, and risk management support, as well as tools in line with and beyond international frameworks such as the GRI, TCFD, and ISSB.

Importantly, it will extend beyond strategy to support practical implementation, helping organisations deploy emission-reducing technologies, secure climate finance, and build hands-on capacity in areas such as carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS).

CSR-in-Action’s proven track record in governance and sustainability advocacy, spanning initiatives like Nigeria’s Community Engagement Standards, the Earth Women documentary (winner of the 2023 Global Impact Documentary Award), and its widely referenced CSR-in-Action Report on Sustainability Reporting, provides a strong foundation for this new chapter.

Working closely with Carbon Direct strengthens its ability to deliver decarbonisation implementation support, carbon credit and offset advisory (such as flare gas recovery and mangrove restoration), and applied training programmes tailored to Africa’s energy and industrial sectors.

Carbon Direct, globally recognised for developing science-driven carbon solutions, brings deep expertise in carbon removal, accounting, and industrial decarbonisation.

“Our principles, tools, and practical experience put us in a unique position to help organisations make and manifest ambitious but actionable climate commitments,” said Dr. Julio Friedmann, chief scientist, Carbon Direct.

According to Dr. ‘Bekeme Olowola, group chief executive of CSR-in-Action, the strategic relationship addresses a critical need: “African businesses and governments don’t just need roadmaps, they need practical, financeable solutions, training and hands-on expertise, to implement them.

Through this collaboration, we are equipping stakeholders with the tools, knowledge, and access to experts required to deliver measurable decarbonisation outcomes.”

The new collaborative effort will open up access to Carbon Direct’s global expertise, enabling African organisations to align with regulatory expectations, pursue climate finance for challenging projects, and embed decarbonisation knowledge across their teams.

Even though legislative oversight functions as a fundamental component of democratic accountability, it requires guidance through due process principles and factual accuracy while maintaining institutional transparency.

These principles extend beyond procedural concepts and serve as essential components for maintaining sustainable governance.

Nigeria adopted the TSA in 2011 which initiated a significant change in its path toward fiscal responsibility.

The system represents one of the biggest amalgamations of government financial resources into a single structure worldwide.

After extensive assessment by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and outside experts SystemSpecs’ local product Remita became the selected enabling platform.

Nigeria demonstrated its innovative prowess through Remita’s superior ability to handle TSA operational complexities compared to domestic and foreign competitors.

The benefits of the TSA are well documented: The TSA system has led to better financial transparency while reducing leaks and improving public financial management.

As with any system driven by technological mechanisms this platform retains areas that require enhancement, but it serves its purpose creditably well. The system has demonstrated a significant and trustworthy influence on fiscal discipline and economic reform.

Recent statements from the House of Reps Committee on Public Accounts do not dwell on performance—nor have previous—they point to significant unremitted funds related to Remita which allegedly require thorough investigation in the current context.

Media outlets report the findings were disclosed during a legislative recess before a full legislative discussion could happen.

This is not due process. When public disclosures happen rapidly without complete legislative inspection they risk breaking public confidence and damaging the enduring trustworthiness of our financial systems.

Oversight processes must operate with transparency while including all stakeholders and maintaining equity even though institutions deserve scrutiny.

Sustainable governance practices require accountability systems that oversee the execution of audits and investigations.

And any external consultants’ engaged require complete transparency about their terms of reference and payment structures including performance-based incentives.

A valid audit requires transparency through public disclosure of its parameters because praise without details contradicts public accountability principles.

By maintaining this transparency an institution or nation protects objectivity and counter possible conflicts of interest or undue influence.

The history of parliamentary scrutiny over TSA operations extends beyond this single instance. The Senate, alongside the House of Representatives, has initiated several investigations into the same platform since 2015. Each concluded without substantiating allegations of wrongdoing.

The ongoing need for vigilance needs to be balanced against the negative impact of continuous investigations that lack fresh decisive evidence on institutional morale and innovation signals.

Importantly, Remita is not a bank and thus does not function as a custodian of government funds. It is a payment processing platform, not a financial institution licensed to receive or retain public monies.

This raises legitimate concerns about the technical validity of the accusation. Singling out Remita, an entity that does not handle cash, while excluding the Central Bank of Nigeria and other deposit money banks, all of whom are integral players in Nigeria’s TSA value chain, is both misleading and questionable.

Without hastening to conclusions, one questions whether the insightful obesrvation by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: “When you fight corruption, it fights back,” holds sway here, because it remains crucial that anti-corruption initiatives maintain fairness and avoid the appearance of being punitive.

The digital economy of Nigeria and its innovation ecosystem’s long-term sustainability depend on a regulatory framework that maintains strength but is also objective and encourages growth. Care should be taken to avoid putting indigenous technology firms in positions that could cause premature reputational damage.

The worldwide triumph of Nigerian fintech companies including Flutterwave and Paystack demonstrates how regional solutions can achieve global competitiveness.

These achievements depend upon a policy and oversight framework that values fairness, alongside investment encouragement and a supportive environment for long-term innovation.

Opaque inquiries conducted on a regular basis that appear to become media trials can restrict growth potential and establish a chilling effect throughout the industry.

In addition, the clear definition of institutional responsibilities forms an essential component of a sustainable governance system.

The idea of a legislative committee assuming debt recovery duties which have historically been the domain of regulatory bodies like the CBN leads to serious concerns about agency boundaries. Public administration depends on respecting official roles as well as checks and balances between institutions and cooperation between different government levels.

The Presidency may need to implement a balanced intervention in this scenario. The intervention would not shield any party from proper examination but instead would safeguard due process, maintain Nigeria’s institutional reputation, and sustain investor trust.

Through its role as national development guardian, the Presidency’s work is cutout to maintain consistent and constructive application of oversight mechanisms.

Nigeria must rely on more than just technological advancements to achieve sustainable reform and digital leadership. The key element is an ecosystem based on trust which includes transparent rules and equitable supervision, while supporting innovative efforts.

The House of Representatives has a responsibility to establish an oversight process that combines thoroughness with proper documentation and adherence to governance standards—or just leave systems that are not broken to pursue the revision of laws long obsolete which are affecting our national development.

The future of innovation and institutional strength depends on this essential thought process.

*BEKEME MASADE is the chief executive, CSR-in-Action, and Convener, Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference.

The event, themed: “Extractives for Green Growth: The Strategic Role of Extractives in the Just Transition into an Inclusive Green Economy”, examined 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.

Bekeme Masade-Olowola, chief executive and convener of SITEI, opened the proceedings by underlining CSR-in-Action’s commitment to fostering sustainable change in Nigeria’s extractive industries.

“Growth can best be achieved through interdependence and adaptive innovation,” she stated. “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.”

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. ChiChi Aniagolu-Okoye, regional director of Ford Foundation West Africa, called for an African-centric approach to green energy. “Transitioning from fossil fuels to green energy is pivotal, and we must approach it through an African lens. Africa’s transition is not an end to extraction but a shift that maintains autonomy and enables economic control,” she stated, underscoring the continent’s need to leverage its resources for long-term growth.

In an engaging first panel titled, “Multi-Stakeholder Engagement in Policy Development for the Shift to Green Growth,” Olumide Idowu, Executive Director of International Climate Change Development Initiative Africa, led discussions with prominent figures including Dr Victoria Gbadegesin of Cambridge University, Lucy Okeke from the National Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Dele Ayanleke of the Miners Association of Nigeria, and Dr Bunmi Akinlade from the Lagos State SDG Office. The panellists explored Nigeria’s energy transition potential, with speakers underscoring how local solutions could drive cleaner, more sustainable energy initiatives.

A pivotal moment was the lightning talk by Dr Gbadegesin, who presented insights from her research on Earth Women, CSR-in-Action’s award-winning documentary that highlights the economic impact of extraction activities on women in host communities.

Her findings revealed that women in these regions often suffer economically when extraction begins, leading to calls for green job creation, gender-responsive climate policies, and expanded access to renewable energy sources.

The second panel, “Innovative Financing Models for Green Extractive Projects in Africa,” moderated by Abbas Agbaje, CEO of ImpactCrest, included Foluke Micheal, CEO of Caterina D’Medici Africa; Dr Babatunde Ajayi of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency; Bankole Oloruntoba, CEO of Nigeria Climate Innovation Center; and Lookman Martins, Group Head of Access Bank’s Commercial Banking Division. The discussion showcased novel financial strategies essential for green economic initiatives and addressed the challenges of creating sustainable and profitable financing models.

The Conference’s third panel, “Resource Curse: Solutions for an African Extractive Renaissance,” brought together speakers from across Africa and North America to consider alternatives for sustainably managing natural resources. Moderated by Ms Achare Takor, Head of Intellectual Property Practice at Centurion Law Group, panellists included Georgia Mutagahywa, Corporate Communications and Country Liaison Manager; Dr Pete Hollings, NOHFC IRC Chair in Mineral Exploration at Lakehead University, Ontario; and Titus Arannilewa, Assistant General Manager, HSE & ESG at North South Power. This panel addressed how African nations might redefine their resource management approaches to ensure more equitable economic outcomes.

Dr Hollings’s Talk, “Sustainable Mining: The Canadian Experience,” resonated with many, as he addressed Canada’s strides and challenges in responsible mining.

“Despite Canada’s advancements, achieving true transparency and avoiding superficial greenwashing remains challenging. Sustainable mining should involve zero-footprint goals, green technology, and renewable power sources, but we must also protect indigenous lands and cultures,” he said.

Culminating the Conference was the SITEI Green Financing Solution Competition pitch, where finalists Taiwo Adewole and Favour Onsachi presented innovative solutions to the financial hurdles of green economies. With 87% of the online votes, Taiwo Adewole emerged as the winner and was awarded ₦250,000, while Favour Onsachi received a special recognition plaque. Both finalists will also benefit from media promotion opportunities to showcase their ideas.

The 13th SITEI Conference reinforced CSR-in-Action’s dedication to fostering critical discourse and collaboration that drives sustainable advancements in Nigeria’s extractive industries, propelling Africa towards a greener, fairer economic future.

The event was supported by the Ford Foundation, Access Bank, and Pistis Life and Leadership Institute, alongside key partners such as NEITI, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Zenera Consulting, and the Miners Association of Nigeria.

CSR-in-Action continues to play a leading role in catalysing constructive dialogue and driving actionable solutions for a sustainable future in Nigeria’s extractive industries.

Through the SITEI Conference, CSR-in-Action remains committed to uniting diverse voices and galvanising industry transformation that aligns with global sustainable development goals, underscoring its dedication to ensuring Africa’s extractive industries are both economically productive and environmentally responsible.

Themed: “Navigating the Shift – Essential Implementation Insights for Businesses”, the event provided a platform for key stakeholders to examine the PIA’s impact on community stakeholders.

Meka Olowola, director of CSR-in-Action, opened the webinar by highlighting the importance of the event.

He said:

“We recognise that all stakeholders, particularly businesses, are navigating new territory with the PIA, and their ability to do so effectively is key to the Act’s successful implementation. This is the basis for this event as a part of our constructive engagement process.”

He referenced the research conducted by CSR-in-Action, supported by the Ford Foundation, which underscored critical aspects of the PIA’s implementation.

These include a substantial gender imbalance in leadership roles, a lack of comprehensive needs assessments by oil companies, and overall low awareness of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) framework within communities.

This crucial research highlights the need to include these groups in the broader narrative of Nigeria’s oil and gas reform.

The event featured esteemed panellists, including Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI; Mr. Dayo Okusami, Partner, Templars; Akinbambo Ibidapo-Obe, General Manager and Head of Commercial at Oando Energy Resources; Glory Alexander Thomas, Secretary Management of the Ibeno HCDT; and Eugenia Onyiriuka, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for the Assa North HCDT.

These leaders shared valuable insights on how implementing the PIA is reshaping Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, particularly in promoting transparency, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility.

A key highlight of the webinar was the discussion about the governance challenges of the PIA.  Dr Orji Ogbonnaya stated:

“The PIA is being implemented agency by agency without a coordinated, comprehensive strategy to guide the process. This is a major concern, as a stakeholders-driven, coordinated implementation plan, involving civil society, companies, and government is key to ensuring transparency and accountability. Without such coordination, agencies may avoid pushing the boundaries of transparency and accountability.”

Dayo Okusami also highlighted the critical role of transparency in the governance of the petroleum sector, noting that “Before the PIA of 2021, the last major legislation in the oil and gas sector was almost 60 years old.

The PIA represents progress, but we must focus on realistic and sustainable implementation. No law is perfect. The PIA needs time, proper implementation, and patience.”

The importance of community consultation was also underscored by Glory Alexander Thomas, who stated, “Projects without diligent consultation with the host communities tend to lead to failure.” This sentiment was echoed by Mrs. Eugenia Onyiriuka, who remarked, “The PIA has changed a lot of things, including how women are involved in community affairs”.

According to Akinbambo Ibidapo-Obe,

“The PIA presents a unique opportunity for HCDT to empower women and promote women-owned businesses as key service providers to the industry. At Oando, we are intentional about expanding our supply chain to include more women-owned businesses, ensuring they play a significant role in driving the sector forward.”

Meka Olowola concluded by emphasising CSR-in-Action’s leading role in sustainability reporting, showcasing their pioneering work in developing the first IFRS S1&S2 compliant sustainability report for a leading organisation in the oil and gas sector.

The PIA Implementation Research Report can be found here.

It was held at Four Points Hotel Victoria Island, Lagos and sponsored by global philanthropy giant, Ford Foundation, and supported by Nigerian multinational commercial bank, Access Bank.

Themed: ‘The SDGs and the Extractive Sector: Aligning Governance, Policies, and Practices,’ the Conference sought to harmonise the present condition of Nigeria’s extractive sector with global development goals through an evaluation of governance, policies, and their execution.

According to Bekeme Masade-Olowola, Chief Executive, CSR-in-Action, and Convener of SITEI, “CSR-in-Action’s mission is to facilitate collaboration, ensuring that governmental policies and mediating organisations play a pivotal role in enforcement. The transition to clean and renewable energy is driven not only by a commitment to public health but also by its potential to generate jobs and stimulate economic growth, creating a cleaner, more sustainable environment.”

Prominent and expert figures in attendance included Beatrice Eyong, Country Representative (Nigeria), UN Women and ECOWAS; Mr Dayo Okusami, Co-Head, Energy and Resource Practice at Templars; Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan, Group Head, Sustainability, Access Holdings Plc; Osayi Alile, CEO, Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation; Dr. Uwem Ite, Head, Community and Government Relations at Oriental Energy Resources Limited; Dayo Omolade, CEO, Hybrid Group.

Also present were distinguished luminaries such as Tengi George-Ikoli, Senior Officer, Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI); Mr Adamu Garba, COO, Nigerian Climate Innovation Center (NCIC);  Gamawa Murjanatu, Head, Business Ethics, NNPC; Oluwakemi Ajakaiye, Executive Director, AMPAK; Daniel Oladoja, Strategic Communications Lead, Global Strategic Communications; Dr Mina Ogbanga, Country Director/CEO, Centre for Development Support Initiative (CEDSI) and CSO Lead, NEITI; Adewole Lawal, Senior Manager, Sustainability at Mazars; and Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), who gave the keynote address virtually.

In the current global landscape, the imperative for environmental responsibility and a transition to cleaner energy sources is more evident than ever. As nations commit to international agreements like the Paris Agreement, the need for concrete actions becomes apparent.

While contributing to the first plenary session, which focused on the importance of energy transition for a cleaner and more sustainable world, Murjanatu Gamawa, Head of Business Ethics at the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), reminded the audience that “Nigeria is a signatory to the Paris Agreement, and we must embrace this transition. NNPC [she said] is dedicated to prioritising natural gas as a transitional energy source and investing in renewable and cleaner energy alternatives, despite the current cost barriers.”

Dayo Okusami, also emphasised the practical significance of economic viability in policy implementation, particularly in the context of environmental policies and the energy transition. He stated that “Effective policy implementation pivots on economic viability that caters to both consumers and suppliers. Our dedication to this transition must exhibit a steadfast and enduring nature.”

The event is annually organised in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Ford Foundation, and Zenera Consulting, amongst other key institutions. It continues to extend its tradition of providing a pivotal platform for fostering high-level discussions to propel positive transformations and nurture an environmentally conscious extractive sector, even as it is now a year short of being a teenager.

The plenary sessions ended as the panellists proffered recommendations aimed at establishing robust institutions conducive to fostering economic growth.

CSR-in-Action (CiA) remains at the forefront of sustainability, advocacy, and the implementation of government policies.

With a commitment to driving change and fostering a more responsible and environmentally conscious extractive industry, CiA continues to lead the way in promoting sustainability and making a positive impact on society and the planet.

Ultimately, the Conference culminated with the unveiling of the research on the progress of implementing the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) within host communities, focusing specifically on its implications for women within the host communities.

Since its enactment in 2021, the PIA hoped to address various endemic challenges and foster equitable development in the oil extractive regions in Nigeria. However, there is currently a lack of academic evidence regarding the actual impact of the Act almost two years after its enactment.

With this research, CiA presents a detailed analysis of the implementation of the PIA by oil companies in the three largest oil-producing states in the Niger Delta region – Akwa Ibom, Delta State and Rivers State.

The study specifically assesses gender equity in  PIA implementation, particularly the impact on women in oil-producing communities and the consequences of their inclusion or otherwise in decision-making processes within the industry. The executive summary is accessible here.

The annual workshop organised by CSR-in-Action in partnership with key stakeholders in the industry, including Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (FMMSD), Ministry of Environment, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), et cetera.

In the 12 years since its inception, SITEI has birthed initiatives such as SITEI-Woman, Earth Women Documentary, Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards Africa, The Community Engagement Standards (CES), and The Corporate Sustainable Investor Report (CSIR).

The conferences have been attended by business executives, the most senior government officers for the industries, and representatives of various organisations.

This year, the SITEI Conference is centred on ‘The SDGs and the Extractive Sector: Aligning Governance, Policies and Practices’. It is set to explore the affiliation between the activities of industries in the extractive sector and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for equitable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable economic development.

Speaking on this year’s conference, set to hold on the 31st of October 2023, Bekeme Olowola, Chief Executive, CSR-in-Action, and SITEI Convener said;

“We prioritised collective development, as always, when formulating the central focus and direction of this conference, to explore how essential stakeholders can jointly leverage the abundance of existing and potential opportunities within the extractive industries. This Conference has been meticulously designed to create a secure environment for these crucial deliberations, and we firmly believe that this meeting, over the years, has brought the sub-region closer to discovering low-hanging and long-term opportunities within the sector.”

 The SITEI Conference has had notable speakers such as former ministers of petroleum and mining and solid minerals, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Dr Kayode Fayemi, and Dr Oby Ezekwesili; Dr Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, NEITI; Stephen Vertigans, Head of School of Applied Social Studies, Robert Gordon University, UK; Dr Ndidi Nnoli, Board Member, International Sustainability Standards Board IFRS Foundation; Michel Puchercos, Group CEO, Dangote Cement; Teshome Nkrumah, Deputy High Commissioner, Deputy High Commission of Canada; Idris Musa, Director General/Chief Executive, NOSDRA; and Alero Onosode, Chair, Diversity Social Working Group; the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), amongst others.

Earth Women, a groundbreaking documentary which spotlights human rights issues facing women in Nigeria, was screened at EbonyLife Cinemas in Victoria Island, Lagos, on 31 March for IHS Nigeria to help commemorate International Women’s Day.

Earth Women was conceptualised by Bekeme Olowola, CSR-in-Action’s Chief Executive, and co-produced by veteran Nollywood actress and producer Ego Boyo.

The film features powerful stories from women living in extractive communities, highlighting the daily challenges and barriers preventing them from achieving their full potential.

In his welcome speech, Meka Olowola, Executive Producer of Earth Women, said, “We celebrate IHS Nigeria for their leadership in sustainability as they continue to set the trend through their comprehensive sustainability initiatives. IHS Nigeria displays true leadership in championing change and uses its actions to positively impact lives and communities. Human rights are universal and apply to everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics. Earth Women serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding these universal rights and addressing the challenges that women face globally.”

In his closing remarks, Mohamad Darwish IHS Nigeria CEO and Co-founder expressed his appreciation to IHS Nigeria’s Sustainability and Corporate Communications team for organising the private screening. He also spoke about the issues of violence against women, stating, “We know these issues exist, but sometimes we forget just how cruel they can be. This documentary has brought these issues back into the spotlight.”

IHS Nigeria’s Director of Organisational Development and Talent Management, Ejemen Okojie Okojie, who attended the screening stated, “We are thankful to the organisers who have set out to educate us on these critical issues. We have become more aware and more sensitised“.

Okojie alsothanked the production team for putting together such a touching and thought-provoking documentary highlighting the challenges women living in extractive communities face.

Earth Women is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to spark meaningful change. The documentary has gone on to be screened at prominent film festivals and business events around the world, including the Royal Cocoa International Film Festival, where it won Best Documentary Short – Spotlight on Women. It also received the Silver Award category for unforgettable films at the Spotlight Documentary Film Awards 2022 in New York.

Earth Women has been selected as a semi-finalist for the best international documentary at the Peloponnisos International Documentary Festival in Greece, cementing its status as a must-see film for audiences worldwide.

The exclusive screening attended by IHS Nigeria underscores the company’s commitment to promoting human rights and supporting initiatives that empower women.