The Petroleum Environment and Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA) has announced a strategic partnership with the National Association of University Students (NAUS) to promote environmental sustainability and youth development across the country.
The alliance, unveiled on April 10, 2026, is aimed at mobilising Nigerian students as active participants in addressing environmental challenges associated with petroleum exploration and solid mineral extraction.
Speaking on the initiative, Robert Egboce Adah, Chairman and President of PESMDAA, said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to tackling pressing issues such as pollution, climate change, and ecological degradation.
He noted that engaging young people is critical to achieving sustainable environmental practices, stressing that students represent a vital force in driving long-term national development.
PESMDAA, a non-governmental organisation with operations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, has been at the forefront of environmental advocacy, policy engagement, and community empowerment.
Its partnership with NAUS, the umbrella body for university students in Nigeria, is expected to expand the reach and impact of its programmes.
Under the framework of the collaboration, both organisations will implement a range of initiatives, including environmental education campaigns, campus-based outreach programmes, and the establishment of green ambassador clubs in tertiary institutions.
The partnership will also focus on equipping students with practical skills in renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable resource utilisation, while supporting research and innovation targeted at solving environmental challenges.
Other components of the initiative include community-based projects such as tree planting, environmental sanitation exercises, and restoration efforts in affected areas, alongside policy advocacy to promote stronger environmental governance and increased youth participation.
Stakeholders say the collaboration represents a significant step toward fostering environmental consciousness among Nigerian youths and building capacity for sustainable livelihoods.
The partnership is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academic institutions, civil society organisations, and local communities, in line with national and global sustainable development goals.
