Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) have partnered with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to launch the Afforestation, Livelihood Enhancement, and Carbon Sequestration (ALEC) initiative.
This collaborative effort aims to tackle deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change while empowering local communities in 11 littoral areas of Bayelsa State.
The ALEC initiative focuses on addressing Nigeria’s alarming environmental challenges, including the rapid loss of forests. Reports from Global Forest Watch and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimate that 70 to 80% of Nigeria’s original forests have been lost due to unsustainable practices such as logging and agricultural expansion. Additionally, Nigeria is home to 309 species currently listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the country’s remaining mangrove forests could disappear by 2050 without immediate action, according to projections from NCF.
To combat these challenges, the ALEC Initiative will plant 500,000 trees over the next five years, with the goal of rehabilitating and conserving critical ecosystems in the host communities of the NNPC Ltd/FIRST E&P Joint Venture (JV).
Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), emphasized the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, stating, “This initiative reflects our dedication to environmental and social responsibility, recognizing that the well-being of the communities we serve and the ecosystems we depend on is vital for sustainable business success.”
Mr. Etomi, Executive Director of Corporate Services at FIRST E&P, highlighted the project’s dual impact on both the environment and local economies. “The ALEC Project marks a pivotal step in our journey towards a sustainable future. By restoring ecosystems, we are not only addressing a critical environmental need but also providing new economic opportunities for local communities,” he said.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of NCF, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting how it aligns with NCF’s core objectives of habitat restoration, tackling climate change, and species conservation. “This project will help us achieve key goals and ensure a better quality of life for people in beneficiary communities while safeguarding the environment,” he remarked.
The ALEC initiative positions Nigeria as a leader in global efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss, while also promoting sustainable development through community empowerment and environmental protection.
