FG, APRI Unite to Tackle Methane Emissions in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector

FG, APRI Unite to Tackle Methane Emissions in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector

The Federal Government has in partnership with the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) convened a two-day stakeholders’ engagement to tackle methane emissions for a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for the country and planet at large

At the event Themed: Clearing the Air: Advancing Methane Mitigation and Reduction in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Honourable Minister of Environment stated that mitigating methane emissions will also promote economic growth, job creation, energy conservation, and attract investments essential for national development.

The Minister stressed the urgency of mitigating methane (a potent greenhouse gas that drives cimate change) so as to reduce its health risks, especially respiratory illnesses affecting communities near emission sources

Lawal who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, noted that gas flaring and leaks have led to the wastage of valuable energy resources which
could have been used to power industries and homes for socio-economic development of the nation

Building on this, he emphasized that the meeting which brought together regulators, industry leaders, civil society, development partners, and the research community is aimed at generating robust data that will take Nigeria a leap forward in confronting the challenges posed by methane emissions in its Oil and Gas Sector

According to him, “the stakeholder engagement transcends technicalities, it embodies shared commitment to protecting the environment, fulfilling international obligations, and securing the health as well as prosperity of the citizens.”

The Minister explained that the Federal Government has showcased its strong commitment through:

The endorsement of the Paris Agreement and embedding a 61% methane reduction target for the oil and gas sector in its 2021 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC);

The National Gas Policy and the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) set up to promote the capture and productive use of associated gas to reduce flaring;

Enforcement of improved guidelines and monitoring protocols for methane leak detection and repair through the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) so as to bolster regulatory compliance and environmental safeguards;

“Complementing these efforts are investments in advanced sensors and satellite technologies enabling real-time, precise methane emissions tracking, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity for swift response and accountability” Lawal said

He added that the nation’s recognition as a Global Methane Pledge Champion reflects its dedication to accelerating methane reduction in line with global climate goals.

The Minister emphasized that “the Ministry, in collaboration with the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), is advancing and highlighting key priorities that includes strengthening policy implementation, adopting innovative best practices, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and building capacity through awareness as well as training programmes.”

While launching the Methane Mitigation and Reduction Mapping Report in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector, he concluded, “through collaboration, dialogue, and decisive action, we can reduce methane emissions and advance sustainable growth within our oil and gas sector”

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Kambari, represented by the Director, Department of Climate Change, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe stated that Methane, with its potent warming capability and harmful effects on both climate and human health, demands urgent attention.

He highlighted Mr President’s reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to end gas-flaring at COP28, noting that this reflects the seriousness with which the country is approaching the issue.

Kambari who commended the organizers for fostering collaboration and dialogue among diverse stakeholders, added “As representatives of various sectors, we have a shared responsibility to prioritize methane mitigation and reduction as part of our broader climate action agenda.

Dr. Olumide Abimbola, Executive Director, Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) stated that the Institute’s Methane Mitigation Programme focuses on practical solutions that match the urgency and the opportunity of methane action.

According to him, the science is clear: reducing methane quickly is one of the fastest ways to slow warming while improving public health and supporting inclusive growth.”

APRI, he said, is an Africa and Europe-based, African-led think tank that is committed to amplifying African voices in global decision-making arenas where African perspectives are too often missing.