ENVIRONMENT: SEEPCO plants 10,000 trees, says commitment to sustainability beyond compliance
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The scorching sun experience in Nigeria currently like globally has strengthened commitment by one of the fastest-growing oil exploration and production companies in Africa, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), to safeguarding the survival of its tree plantations drive
This is as the company, as part of its corporate citizenship approach to environmental conservation and social responsibility to cleaner and greener future, took on a successful planting of 10,000 trees, with assurance that the activity is ongoing the rest of the year.
According to a statemebt by the management, “The increasing urbanization, industrialization, and growing needs of mankind are affecting the environment’s well-being and sustainability across the globe.
“The impact is now evident, affecting us more closely than ever. In Nigeria, rising temperatures and heat waves are making life increasingly difficult. Whether in cities or villages, people struggle with extreme heat, especially during the dry season.
“It is the need of the hour, and it is high time that institutions, governments, corporations, host communities, and societies come together to take serious action on the ground.
“Pioneering on these very premises, one of the fastest-growing oil exploration and production companies in Africa, Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO), is continuously and quietly working towards its sustainability goals, reinforcing its commitment to Nigeria, Africa, and environmental sustainability through a large-scale tree-planting initiative launched last year.”
One of the company’s spokespersons stated that, “Our commitment to environmental sustainability goes beyond compliance; it is our responsibility to drive measurable impact and shape a cleaner, greener future. For us, progress means the growth of our business together with our employees, people, communities, society, and the nation at large.”
He said, “The Go Green Initiative of SEEPCO aligns with global sustainability goals and Nigeria’s efforts to combat deforestation, air pollution, and rising temperatures. It also aims to enhance biodiversity, reduce carbon footprints, and create greener communities.
“As part of this commitment, SEEPCO targets the planting of 10,000 trees annually through its afforestation drive. This effort is supported by in-house green nets covering over 1,000 sqm, sprouting over 28,000 seedlings yearly, while greenhouses spanning 2,000 sqm are under construction to expand seedling production.
“The planted trees, which include species such as Neem, Crape Myrtle, Golden Shower, and Flamboyant, are expected to achieve a 60-80% survival rate, with dedicated 24×7 teams ensuring their continuous care through watering, mulching, pruning, and other essential horticultural practices.
“SEEPCO continues to engage key stakeholders, including representatives from NOSDRA and FMEnv, who have actively participated in the tree-planting exercises. The initiative has also garnered enthusiastic support from employees, with many volunteering to take part in the reforestation efforts.
“Sterling Oil, one of the fastest-growing exploration and production companies in Africa, defines success not just by business growth but by the positive change it brings. At SEEPCO, true success means making a lasting impact. Our commitment to environmental sustainability goes beyond compliance; it is our responsibility to drive measurable impact and shape a cleaner future. For us, progress goes together with going green.”
