The Managing Director/Chief Executive of Elf Petroleum Nigeria Limited, Mr. Jacques Marraud des Grottes has said that Total's companies in Nigeria fully identity with the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) commitment to a better global environment.

According to him, Total's agenda include giving "a human face to environmental issues, empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that human communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues and advocate partnership, which will ensure that all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future."

He made the remarks on the occasion of the tree-planting exercise which the company embarked upon in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) as part of activities to mark this year's World Environment Day. The remarks were made on his behalf by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. John Addeh.

The event took place at the City Gate in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday June 5, 2006. At least 5,000 trees were planted by the company in different parts of Abuja.

Mr. Lawrence Ajibade, a Director in the Federal Ministry of Environment who represented the Minister in his speech commended Total Upstream Companies in Nigeria for being environment-friendly in their operations.

He identified the various factors militating against the environment, which include desertification, deforestation and other forms of environmental degradation. He also stated that "the tree-planting exercise by Total is worthy of emulation by other corporate bodies."

On her part, Mrs. Jummai Kwanashie, the Managing Director of Abuja Metropolitan Management Agency (AMMA) equally commended Total's initiative and urged Abuja residents to embrace the culture of tree planting. She noted that the area councils can do more in beautifying the environment, and explained that "the removal of some structures in the FCT is to ensure compliance with the original vision for the capital in which 30 per of the city is green."

The General Manager, Public Affairs reads the MD's address.	The MD, Abuja Municipal Management Agency (AMMA) addressing the gathering.
A cross-section of EPNL staff and other participants.	A cultural troupe entertaining the crowd.
Representative of the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Environment planting a tree.	Representative of the FCT Minister after planting, watered the tree.
The Kenyan High Commissioner also planted a tree	The MD of AMMA watering a tree
The General Manager, Public Affairs also planted a tree on behalf of the company.