The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is urging the Nigerian government to take a more proactive stance on methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.
During a stakeholder briefing in Abuja titled “Strengthening Methane Emissions Reduction in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector,” NRGI emphasized the need for a clear national strategy to tackle this issue.
Tengi George-Ikoli, NRGI’s senior officer in Nigeria, highlighted the environmental and economic dangers posed by methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Incomplete gas flaring and leaks were identified as major contributors to Nigeria’s methane emissions.
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She urged the federal government to collaborate with the private sector on methane reduction.
“We are in a race against time, and we need all hands on deck. Nigeria has shown commitment to ambitious targets on methane reduction, but the urgency of the crisis demands that we close the gap between ambition and action,” George-Ikoli said.
“We acknowledge the progress made with the Nigeria gas flare commercialisation program (NGFCP) licences and urge for effective implementation of this programme and other initiatives to support Nigeria’s climate commitments and energy transition.
“Reducing methane emissions is not just about ticking climate boxes or maintaining market access for Nigerian crude oil and gas. It also presents an opportunity to unlock untapped potential within our natural resources.
“IEA’s estimates show that tackling methane challenges can be a win-win. Therefore, the federal government and relevant agencies such as the National Council on Climate Change, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Federal Ministry of Environment, must play their part.
“They should collaborate with the private sector and other stakeholders to develop clear strategies, expedite implementation, and ensure stronger enforcement to improve Nigeria’s methane reduction before it is too late.”
For the program officer, NRGI, Ahmad Abdulsamad the impact of methane emissions is particularly severe for Nigerian’s oil and gas-producing communities, which are at the forefront of climate change vulnerability.
These communities he said face heightened risk from extreme weather events, desertification, flooding and sea encroachment.
The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Orji Ogbonnaya Orji said effective mitigation measures are not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial for all stakeholders.
Ogbonnaya Orji noted that Reducing Emissions enables oil and gas companies to improve operational efficiency, minimize revenue losses from gas flaring, and enhance their competitiveness in the global market.
The Stakeholders dialogue workshop was organized by the Natural Resource Governance Institute, NRGI, in partnership with the Center for Journalism Innovation and Development, CJID, with the theme, “Strengthening Methane Emission Reduction Strategies in Nigeria’s Gas Expansion Plans”.
