CSR-in-Action to Launch PIA Implementation Progress Report at  12th SITEI Conference

 CSR-in-Action, a leading international sustainability advocacy and consulting firm, is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Petroleum Industry Act implementation progress report at the forthcoming 12th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, 31 October 2023, at Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) when enacted in 2021, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history, signifying a concerted effort to address a myriad of challenges and promote equitable development in regions endowed with abundant natural resources. However, scant research has been conducted to investigate the ramifications of this legislation, particularly in relation to its effects on the lives of individuals residing in Nigeria’s oil-producing regions, with a particular focus on women. To bridge this knowledge gap, CSR-In-Action assumed the responsibility of investigating the extent to which the PIA has influenced the well-being of women in the affected communities.

Bekeme Masade-Olowola, Chief Executive of CSR-in-Action and Co-Convener of SITEI expressed her excitement about the report stating that “The PIA has been hailed as a game-changer, and this piece of research seeks to provide vital insights into its progress, potential, and challenges in its implementation, especially as it affects women, a key stakeholder group. We make recommendations for how this Act could be a tool for uniform, equitable, and robust development.”

Since its inception in 2012, the SITEI Conference has matured into a pivotal annual event within the extractive sector, providing a forum for key stakeholders, industry leaders, and community delegates to convene, exchange ideas, and collaborate on strategies aimed at ensuring a sustainable environment and industry. The initiative has also given rise to other projects, including SITEI-Woman, the Earth Women Documentary, the Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards Africa, and the Community Engagement Standards (CES).

This year, the Conference will feature distinguished speakers, including His Excellency, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwa-Olu; Ms Murjanatu Gamawa, Head of Business Ethics, NNPC; Beatrice Eyong, United Nations Women Country Representative to Nigeria; Dr Mina Ogbanga, Country Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Development Support Initiative (CEDSI); Mr Dayo Okusami, Co-Head, Energy and Resource Practice, Templars; Oluwakemi Ajakaiye, Executive Director, AMPAK; Dr Uwem Ite, Head, Community and Government Relations, ExxonMobil; David Omolade, Chief Executive Officer, Chieftex; and Andrew Lawal, Senior Manager, Sustainability at Mazars, amongst others.

Additionally, the event will encompass the esteemed Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards Africa, during which accolades are given to noteworthy individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to national development, social justice, and inclusive engagement with communities in a manner that brings about positive transformations in lives.