Nigeria Faces Warning Over Critical Minerals as NSAC Cites Oil Sector Lessons

Participants at the Third Nigeria Socio-Ecological Alternatives Convergence (NSAC) have warned Nigeria against repeating the environmental and governance failures that have characterised decades of oil and gas exploitation as the country positions itself to benefit from the growing global demand for critical minerals.

The warning came 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 explore the implications of the growing extractive sector and the global energy transition.

Participants stated that the growing 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 warned that without strong environmental safeguards, transparent governance and community participation, the rush for critical minerals could lead to a new cycle of exploitation similar to what happened in the country’s oil producing regions.

The communiqué noted 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.

Participants said that 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.

They said host communities continue to suffer environmental, social and health costs related to extractive activities while receiving little in the way of benefits from the resources taken from their territories.

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The convergence further indicated that forests, wetlands, farmlands and other vital ecosystems are increasingly under threat from mining operations, logging, land acquisitions and badly regulated development activities.

Participants cautioned 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 not yet adequately protected, leaving vulnerable populations exposed to environmental and economic risks.

Professor Omolade Adunbi, in his keynote address, 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.

Renowned environmentalist Nnimmo Bassey, among other experts, made presentations at the convergence, advocating a development model that prioritises people, ecosystems and long-term sustainability over short-term profits.

Participants called for the adoption of a National Just Energy Transition and Critical Minerals Strategy anchored on transparency, accountability, environmental protection and community development to avoid repeating the mistakes made in the oil and gas sector.

They also called for enhanced enforcement of environmental and mining laws, strengthening of regulatory institutions and decisive action against illegal mining and logging activities in the country.

Among the major resolutions adopted was the call for mandatory implementation of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) for all projects impacting indigenous peoples and host communities, coupled 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.

Participants equally called on 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, and not become another chapter in the history of environmental degradation and resource-driven inequality.