![[L-R] Naomi Nwokolo, Executive Director, UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Honourable Minister for Trade & Investment of Nigeria, Mele Kyari, OFR, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Limited and Maher Giundi, International Business Advisor to GCEO, NNPC Limited at the official signing ceremony.](https://unglobalcompactng.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/NNPC-L-.jpg)
LAGOS, NIGERIA, 21 September 2023 — On Thursday, 21 September, during the opening of the 2023 Global Africa Business Initiative (GABi), a prestigious two-day event convening on the side-lines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited formally joined the United Nations Global Compact.
The signing ceremony, graced by eminent dignitaries, included Mele Kyari, OFR, Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Limited; Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, the Honourable Minister for Trade & Investment of Nigeria; and Ayotola Jagun, Board member of the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria.
NNPC Ltd. has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the inaugural state-owned oil and gas enterprise in Africa to embrace the United Nations Global Compact, thereby pledging an unwavering commitment to its Ten Principles, which encompass human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption. This momentous development holds profound significance, signifying a substantial leap towards the promotion of sustainable development and ethical business practices within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In its role as a participant in the United Nations Global Compact, NNPC Ltd. will actively collaborate with a global community of more than 15,000 likeminded enterprises and over 4,000 non-business entities to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within Nigeria.
During the signing ceremony of the Letter of Commitment by NNPC Limited, Naomi Nwokolo, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, commended the organisation for its bold decision to integrate sustainability into the very core of its operations.
In her words, “We are confident that NNPC Limited’s participation will catalyse the adoption of best-in-class practices throughout the Nigerian energy sector, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship. We eagerly anticipate a close and productive collaboration with NNPC Limited on its sustainability journey. We are fully dedicated to offering the requisite support and resources necessary to ensure the seamless integration of sustainable business practices.”
Mr. Mele Kyari, OFR, GCEO of NNPC Ltd., stated that as a dynamic global energy company with businesses and operations spanning the entire energy value chain, NNPC Ltd.’s participation in the UN Global Compact serves as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to working with global partners to achieve a just Energy Transition.
“We are committed to making the UN Global Compact and its principles an integral part of our strategy, culture, and day-to-day operations of our Company. We aim to engage in collaborative projects that advance the broader development goals of the United Nations, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” Kyari concluded.
This strategic alliance provides NNPC Ltd. with an invaluable platform to showcase best practices, engage in collective sustainability initiatives, and contribute substantially to the attainment of the 2030 Agenda. The event will catalyse the adoption of best practices throughout the Nigerian energy sector, fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship.
About UN Global Compact Network Nigeria
The UN Global Compact Network Nigeria is one of the 74 Local Networks (country offices) of the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative. Guided by The Ten Principles and the 17 SDGs, we support companies and stakeholders in understanding what responsible business means within a global and local context, and provide guidance to translate sustainability commitments into action. The UN Global Compact Network Nigeria stimulates and facilitates the creation of local connections and serves as a catalyst for companies and stakeholders to achieve Agenda 2030.
For more information, visit us at www.unglobalcompactng.org.