Segilola Resources: Striking Gold with Sustainability and Community Impact

Eche Munonye

Mining in Nigeria has long been framed as a balancing act between economic opportunity and the risks of environmental degradation, social disruption, and inequity. But Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), operator of Nigeria’s first commercial-scale gold mine in Osun State, is rewriting that narrative. Through a bold commitment to environmental stewardship, inclusive growth, and long-term community partnerships, Segilola is proving that responsible gold mining can drive development, empower people, and protect the planet.

Environmental Sustainability at the Core

Unlike artisanal or informal mining operations that often leave behind scarred landscapes and polluted waterways, Segilola has integrated world-class environmental management systems into the Segilola Gold Project. The company has developed Comprehensive Environmental Management Plans (EMP), installed tailings and water treatment systems, and committed to progressive land rehabilitation to restore mined areas.

These initiatives ensure that mining operations safeguard ecosystems while creating value for Nigeria. By embedding sustainability into its DNA, Segilola has become a benchmark for environmentally responsible resource extraction in West Africa.

Investing in Education, Skills, and Youth Empowerment

Segilola understands that sustainability is not just about protecting the land but also about investing in people. The company has rolled out a wide array of initiatives that directly support education and youth development in Osun State and beyond.

Highlights include:

• Scholarship schemes and university competitions that give young people access to education, technical training, and opportunities to shape the mining sector’s future.
• Youth empowerment programs such as business and digital skills training for women, in partnership with Ilesa Business School, equipping over 200 beneficiaries with tools for entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
• Infrastructure projects like road upgrades, electricity supply, and school renovations, improving daily life and enabling communities to thrive.

These investments are creating a pipeline of future leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals, ensuring that the benefits of mining extend far beyond extraction.

Community Development and Sustainable Livelihoods

SROL’s impact in its host communities goes well beyond jobs. Recognizing the need to diversify income streams, the company launched its Livelihood Restoration Programme (LRP), which distributes high-yield cocoa and oil palm seedlings, trains farmers, and supports agribusiness ventures. These projects enhance food security, income generation, and long-term resilience.

At the same time, Segilola has supported youth and cultural development through initiatives like its annual football tournament, which fosters unity and talent, and the commissioning of new community palaces that preserve cultural heritage.

Women’s empowerment has also been central: the company’s rehabilitation and training programs provide vulnerable women with skills in gardening, catering, and craftsmanship, helping them achieve financial independence and dignity.

Partnerships for Transparency and Trust

Segilola’s approach is rooted in collaboration. The company actively engages with Nigerian regulators, state governments, traditional rulers, and host communities to ensure accountability and build trust. Through sustainability reporting and open dialogue, SROL has positioned itself as a partner in national development, not just an operator extracting resources.

Recent partnerships include collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force to deliver free healthcare and donating millions in supplies for community medical outreach, reaching thousands of residents. These efforts highlight the power of cross-sector collaboration in achieving lasting social impact.

Why Segilola’s Model Matters for Nigeria

As Nigeria works to diversify its economy away from oil dependence, responsible mining projects like Segilola represent a transformative opportunity. By marrying economic value with environmental responsibility and social impact, SROL is changing perceptions of what mining can mean for communities and the nation at large.

From scholarships to sustainable farming, from football tournaments to healthcare, Segilola Resources is proving that mining can be a catalyst for inclusive growth, resilience, and empowerment.

CSR REPORTERS is proud to recognize Segilola Resources Operating Limited for its visionary leadership in sustainable gold mining and its unquantifiable contributions to host communities in Osun State and beyond. Segilola is not just mining gold — it is mining possibilities for a brighter, more sustainable Nigeria.