Seplat Energy Plc, a leading Nigerian independent energy company listed on both the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE), has achieved the prestigious ISO 26000 endorsement. The certification is a significant milestone that underscores Seplat Energy’s dedication to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
The two-year journey towards ISO 26000 commenced in September 2021 and concluded in 2023. The certification recognizes Seplat Energy’s commitment to operating in a socially responsible manner, respecting society, the environment, and the communities in which it operates.
Commenting on this achievement, Mr. Roger Brown, the Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, emphasized the integral role of social responsibility in the company’s business strategy. He stated, “We recognize that social responsibility is integral to our business strategy and essential for long-term success. This recognition has intensified our commitment to creating value in the communities where we operate through high-impact corporate social initiatives.”
Mr. Brown commended all teams and individuals within and outside Seplat Energy who contributed to the realization of the ISO 26000 certification, assuring stakeholders of the company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability.
“Sustainability is at the heart of our business. The two-year journey to this certification has been well worth it and shows our unwavering commitment to sustainability. For us at Seplat Energy, we will continue to set higher standards and work towards their realization.”
The ISO 26000 Social Responsibility Guidance Management Self-Declaration by Seplat Energy was unveiled in collaboration with the International Network for Corporate Social Responsibility (INCSR), a team of Corporate Sustainability and Responsibility (CS&R) Consultants, and Corporate Human Rights Advocates dedicated to promoting best practices in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mr. Eustace Onuegbu, the President/Lead Consultant at INCSR, commended Seplat Energy, stating, “The ISO 26000 certification is a detailed and meticulous process. It is a strategic management system that cuts across all business functions, reflecting the true picture of the company and the hard work put in to achieve it. Seplat Energy is only the second company to achieve this certification.”
Mr. Samson Ezugworie, the Chief Operating Officer of Seplat Energy, emphasized that the milestone launches Seplat Energy into the global league of social responsibility. He stated, “The achievement is a testament to the way we relate to staff in terms of labor practices, compliance with regulations, environmental stewardship, and our dealings with stakeholders. Our goal is to sustain the milestone.”
Mrs. Chioma Afe, the Director of External Affairs and Social Performance at Seplat Energy, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to social responsibility. She said, “Social responsibility is part of our strategy; so, getting endorsed further verifies and validates that we truly live our strategy, given all the work that the company has put in over the years.”
Mr. Ayodele Olatunde, the Managing Director of Seplat West Ltd, explained that: “ISO 26000 certification is a major milestone that serves as an assurance of Seplat Energy’s commitment to sustainable corporate social investment, accountability, ethical behaviour, compliance, respect for stakeholders, our people, governance and labour practices. Seplat will continue to build on this achievement, engage stakeholders and deliver increased value”.
Seplat Energy leadership is highly committed to implementing an effective organisational governance system, and therefore has recognised the principles of social responsibility in line with Clause 4 of ISO 26000 in the decision-making, organisational culture, operations, and all business relationships.
These principles are accountability, transparency, ethical behaviour, respect for stakeholder interests, respect for the rule of law, respect for international norms of behaviour and respect for human rights. Importantly, Seplat Energy has a due diligence approach for addressing the issues of social responsibility.
ISO 26000 SR Guidance Standard requires organisations to integrate social responsibility and sustainability core subjects in all operations and business relationships as well as their sphere of influence.
The Company, therefore, recognises ISO 26000 Social Responsibility Guidance Management as a reference document on a holistic approach based on the seven core subjects in Clause 6 of the Guidance Standard – Organizational Governance, Human Rights, Labour Practices, the Environment, Fair Operating Practices, Consumer Issues, and Community Involvement and Development.
