PwC partners CSR-in-Action on 4th SITEI conference

PwC, a leading provider of financial advisory services in Nigeria has partnered with CSR-in-Action for the 4^th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference, to co-chair the strategic post-conference working group to deliver quality policy documents for these industries.

The SITEI conference which is an annual workshop organised by CSR-in-Action, brings together key stakeholders from within and outside the economy to discuss critical issues as it relates to various sectors and to stimulate meaningful exchange of ideas and best practices among key stakeholder groups and industry experts.

Speaking at the Road to SITEI press conference held in Lagos, Delia Asuzu, Head of Client & Market Development, PwC Nigeria stated that, “PwC stands for solving problems. For us, every problem has a solution and we see solutions that can be offered to the many problems that currently exist in the extractive industries. This is why we are excited to partner with CSR-in-Action on this project”.

With the theme of this year’s conference focused on “Unlocking the Hidden Potential in the Extractive Industries”, Abuja became the destination of choice for SITEI 2015 to gain the national audience that is needed for the reforms that will be released after the conference. There is an apparent need to encourage government participation across all levels and to seek economic sustainability in Nigeria, and SITEI 2015 is poised to fulfil that need.

This year, SITEI seeks to renew political commitment to sustainable development while discussing structural modifications within political institutions in relation to development, investment and local participation in the Nigerian extractive industries. Consequently, attendance at this 4^th SITEI will see government personnel, business leaders, change enthusiasts and innovators from diverse fields.

With Break-out sessions and capacity building focused on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures, Investment and Local Content Participation Policies for Oil and Gas and Mining and Investment Policies and Financing Options for Green Energy in Nigeria, there will no doubt be a thorough sharing of insightful and profitable ideas.

Speaking regarding the conference this year, Bekeme Masade, Executive Director, and CSR-in-Action said, “There has been overdependence on procurement of oil and oil wells by local and international business, whereas our nation is blessed with a plethora of other high potential mineral resources which can be sources of tremendous revenue to the nation. Beyond that, there is extensive manufacturing and industry potential in the production of nuts and bolts, machinery and other paraphernalia needed for efficient production. The government and private sector need to have a fuller appreciation for the depth of progress that responsible public-private partnership can yield for the nation, and SITEI intends to make that progress a reality.”

This year’s SITEI conference will also assess progress on the country’s commitments/frameworks to sustainable development, looking into gaps that have been overlooked in the past, and evaluate the success of outcomes of these frameworks.