We live in a world where the creation of wealth for ourselves and our families is a necessity, and so we tend to use all the resources available at our disposal to achieve this. It all starts with getting our basic needs and then climbing up Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; one important level in this hierarchy is safety, not just our own safety, but also the safety of the environment. People are often too egocentric, by this I mean too profit-driven, they forget too soon about the environment and the community in which they exist. You often hear things like “let’s make some profit”, “when are we breaking even?” Imagine if everyone thinks this way wherever they find themselves, then the future is ruined already. I keep mentioning people instead of corporate organisations, and you might be wondering why; this is because these organisations are run by people. Therefore, in an attempt to make a profit and live the best lives, let us pay attention to the impact of our operations on the community, the environment, and the planet. Let’s think about sustainability and being socially responsible.

The European Commission has defined Corporate Responsibility as “a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis”.

Although policies now exist that prompt industries to be socially responsible, willingness and commitment on the part of these corporations are required. After all, some corporations are still involved in “Greenwashing”.

Now let’s talk about fossils. If you know some geology, then you must have heard about how fossils or remains of ancient plants (flora) and animals (fauna) have transformed into the present-day resources generally referred to as fossil fuels (Oil, Gas, Coal). The Energy industry, or more specifically, the oil and gas industry, has been responsible for mining a significant amount of these resources. The processes involved in the extraction and processing of these resources are usually not very ecologically friendly. There are, however, ways in which part of the revenue gotten from the exploitation of these fossil fuels can make the community and the environment green again – fossils could bring back life to the environment.

For a specific environment, let’s look at Nigeria as one large community. Nigeria has one of the largest economies in Africa. One of the biggest industries in Nigeria is the oil and gas industry. This industry is very important to the Nigerian economy as it contributes to the country’s foreign earnings and funds a huge percentage of the federal budget annually. The industry has two main sectors: the upstream and downstream sectors.

The upstream sector is responsible for exploration and production of oil and gas, while the downstream sector is responsible for the refining, transportation, marketing, and distribution of petroleum products. Before now, the downstream sector had very little involvement in refining petroleum; this drove beneficiation offshore due to the importation of refined petroleum products. The deregulation of the downstream sector, however, has attracted investors, and things are looking more optimistic. The following social initiatives, if adopted, will go a long way in aiding industries, especially the Petroleum industries, in being more socially responsible:

  1. Green initiatives: Recycling, reusing, and reducing, as well as other green initiatives like conservation of biodiversity and campaigns on awareness of the negative effects of pollution, should be incorporated in their operations.
  2. Compliance with laws on the location of fuel (Petrol and gas) stations: Strict zoning laws and urban planning regulations guiding the location and situation of petrol stations should be adhered to; this will, in the long run, aid in averting unforeseeable disasters. Participating genuinely in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes is also a step in the right direction.
  3.  Routine inspection of facilities for leaks and damage: When there are leaks and damage to facilities, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and some toxic hydrocarbons are released, which can negatively impact the environment. Leachates from leaking petrol tanks or damaged pipes can affect groundwater. Routine inspections will help to avert or mitigate these potential hazards.
  4. Establishment of a safety system: Provision of safety gadgets for employees, which will include personal protective equipment of all kinds required for Health Safety and Environment (HSE) critical jobs, and giving employees several training and drills on safety is a necessity.
  5. Employment: Skilled and unskilled labour can be sourced from the members of the community in which these corporations operate. Graduate trainee programs can also be adopted.
  6. Customer relationship: Apart from delivering quality products at affordable prices to customers, another way corporations can create a healthy customer relationship is by training its employees to respect customers and the environment. A healthy environment and happy customers are good for business.
  • Investment in Research and Development: Technology is providing better ways of remediating the effects of environmental pollution in the most ecologically friendly way. There is a host of technologies that can help industries in providing better services and carrying out more eco-friendly operations while ensuring they remain profitable. The domestic gas market can be boosted through local manufacturing of gas cylinders, regulators, valves, gas burners, etc., making them available at affordable prices.
  • Working with the Academia: This is being done by the upstream sector on a regular basis. The downstream sector can also benefit from academia. Sabbaticals for professors and academic doctors, as well as internships for research students, can be included in their annual plans. This will go a long way in strengthening the industry and making the public know that they are ready to get better at what they are doing.
  • Agriculture: In communities where farming is a means of livelihood, grants or loans can be given to local farmers, and campaigns to encourage farming should be initiated.
  • Increase renewable energy in the energy mix– As the demand for energy is increasing, corporations should include renewable energy in their energy mix; they shouldn’t just preach “green”, they should practice “green”.
  • Scholarships: This should be given to students through competitions, especially to those who study courses that can be beneficial to the Oil and Gas sector.

The cost of corporate responsibility may seem enormous; however, the long-term benefits outweigh the cost. Employee satisfaction, brand enhancement, market differentiation, attraction of customers, and a great reputation are some of the invaluable benefits of being socially responsible.

About the author: 

Combining his background as an engineer with cutting-edge expertise in data science and AI, Ikenna Unadike is a dedicated force in the field of sustainability. After completing his Master’s degree with Distinction at the University of Hull—focusing on Data Science and AI—he began contributing his skills to the development of major Large Language Models (LLMs). Ikenna is driven by the conviction that Artificial Intelligence will play a pivotal role in accelerating renewable energy adoption and securing net-zero emission targets. He is committed to impacting the younger generation, viewing it as the essential step to creating the mindset needed to save the planet.