Seplat Energy Emphasizes Alignment of Communication Goals with Sustainability at Lagos PR Conference

Seplat Energy Emphasizes Alignment of Communication Goals with Sustainability at Lagos PR Conference

By Fly Cable News

Seplat Energy Plc, a leading indigenous energy company in Nigeria, has once again reinforced its commitment to sustainability and climate action at the 11th edition of the Lagos Public Relations Stakeholders’ Conference (LaPRSC). The event, a key gathering of thought leaders and industry experts, centered on the theme ‘Stakeholders’ Conversations on Climate Change and Environment: Communication and The Sustainability Agenda.’

Chioma Afe, Director of External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, served as a distinguished panelist at the conference, offering critical insights into the urgent need for action beyond dialogue. Afe emphasized that while discussions are essential, they must be complemented by tangible actions to address the escalating climate crisis. “For me, it’s about talking and doing. We’ve had the conversations, but what concrete steps are we taking? Engaging with the government and the private sector to share ideas is valuable, but the true challenge lies in execution,” Afe asserted.

While speaking to the issue of achieving the right communication goals for climate change by organisations, Afe outlined the critical role of embedding sustainability within the strategic priorities of businesses. “The first thing is situating it within the strategic priority of the business. To be able to establish communication goals, if the organization is not first rooted in the message of sustainability and sustainable business, then we cannot begin to think about communication goals,” she explained.

Afe cited Seplat Energy’s commitment to energy transition and sustainable business development as key examples of how corporate strategy must align with sustainability objectives. “When you narrow down to sustainable business and what it is that you do, you look at your portfolio of products and try to understand the impact of your business on the community and the environment around you,” Afe noted. She further emphasized the importance of educating both internal and external stakeholders once these goals are clearly established.

Afe added: “At Seplat Energy, our evaluation confirms our business’ resilience across all climate change scenarios. We remain committed to reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by addressing scope 1 and 2 emissions across all assets by implementing planned GHG emission projects.

Decarbonisation is integrated into our annual Capex prioritization processes. We have earmarked significant part of our resources towards decarbonising our operations, including ending routine flaring (by 2025) and implementing an afforestation programme.”

The 11th LaPRSC, organized by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Lagos State Chapter and held at the Muson Center in Onikan, Lagos, brought together participants across sectors—including government, corporate organizations, environmental experts, NGOs, and media professionals—to explore the critical intersection of climate change, environmental sustainability, and communication.

Representing the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwolu, the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Philip Wahab, charged all attendees present to take personal responsibility for sustainability in their respective spaces, while also reiterating the government’s commitment to collaborating with necessary stakeholders in combating the effects of climate change within the state.

Comfort Obot Nwankwo, Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of NIPR in her address, highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, underscoring the need for collaborative efforts to advance the sustainability agenda in Nigeria and beyond.

Seplat Energy’s participation in the conference underscores its leadership role in driving conversations and actions that contribute to a more sustainable future. The company remains dedicated to delivering a just energy transition and fostering sustainable business practices that positively impact the environment and the communities it serves.