Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL), operator of Nigeria’s first commercial gold mine, has been honoured at the 57th CIPM International Conference and Exhibition (ICE) held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.
The company’s recognition at Africa’s largest HR gathering reinforces its growing reputation for excellence in human resource management and inclusive workforce development.
This is the second consecutive year SROL has earned the top HR accolade, a feat that underscores its leadership in fostering people-centred growth in a sector often defined by technical and operational challenges.
Why It Matters
The award, presented by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM)—Nigeria’s sole regulatory body for HR practice—recognises organisations that demonstrate outstanding commitment to employee welfare, strategic workforce development, and inclusion.
Experts say such recognition is crucial in transforming the image of Nigeria’s mining industry, where human capital investment has historically lagged behind exploration and production efforts.
“This award from the CIPM is an indication that our HR standards are not just strong, but are truly benchmarked against national and international excellence,” said Oluwaseun Fagesi, Human Resources Manager at SROL.
“It reflects the collective effort of every member of the SROL team and our ongoing commitment to embedding world-class HR practices across our operations,” she added.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we remain focused on driving not just mining excellence, but human and community excellence as well.”
Driving Inclusion and Community Growth
SROL’s success has been driven by deliberate investment in workforce training, gender inclusion, and community empowerment.
According to the company, 99% of its workforce is Nigerian, and 37% hail from its host communities, surpassing targets outlined in its Community Development Agreements (CDAs).
Industry observers say this approach is setting a benchmark for other extractive firms, especially in ensuring communities benefit directly from resource projects through employment and social infrastructure.
SROL has also initiated programmes aimed at empowering women in traditionally male-dominated roles and supporting local infrastructure projects that promote transparency, opportunity, and sustainability.
Industry Reactions
Human resource experts have commended Segilola Resources for demonstrating that effective HR strategy is vital for sustainable mining operations.
Dr. Funmi Adewale, a Lagos-based HR consultant, told NigeriaUpdates that awards like this “help change perceptions about mining as a tough, male-driven industry and show that human investment can drive operational success.”
She added that companies that prioritise diversity and community engagement tend to achieve better long-term performance and reputation outcomes.
What’s Next for Segilola
Looking ahead, SROL says it will deepen its investment in people and innovation, with a focus on sustainability and continuous improvement in HR practices.
The company plans to strengthen stakeholder engagement and set new benchmarks for human and community development in Nigeria’s fast-evolving mining landscape.
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