In line with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda and the commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action, the Federal Government is taking steps to tackle methane mitigation within the oil and gas sector in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako made this announcement during the National Stakeholders Engagement on Methane Mitigation and Reduction in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector in Abuja.
“Methane, with its potent warming capability and harmful effects on both climate and human health, demands urgent attention,” stated Salako, emphasising the need for decisive action.
As a leading oil and gas producer in Africa, Nigeria recognises its responsibility to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane. Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to end routine gas-flaring by 2030, reflecting the nation’s seriousness in addressing methane emissions.
Practical steps are being taken within the oil and gas sector to address methane emissions. Collaborative efforts have led to the development of methane guidelines and the Federal Ministry of Environment, through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), will commence the periodic review of the plans of international and indigenous oil companies to ensure compliance with the 2030 deadline for ending routine gas flaring.
Nigeria is poised to embark on methane reduction projects to fulfill its commitment to methane reduction and meeting Net zero emissions by 2060. Initiatives like the Project- “Methane Mitigation and Reduction in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector” reflect the government’s dedication to addressing climate change challenges.
Salako highlighted the adverse implications of rising methane levels in the atmosphere, emphasising the need for concerted efforts to mitigate climate change effects. He noted that addressing climate change involves more than just security measures, as it requires addressing poverty and loss of livelihoods induced by climate change.
Nigeria stands out as the first country in Africa to regulate methane emissions in the energy sector, reflecting its commitment to international measures advocated by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) include specific methane reduction targets for the oil and gas sector, aligning with global methane reduction efforts under the Paris Agreement.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s dedication, Salako revealed that the country has been honoured as one of the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) Champions. Nigeria’s partnership with the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) and support from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the World Bank through the Methane Roadmap Action Programme (M-RAP) further demonstrate its commitment to methane reduction and climate action.
Salako urged stakeholders to evaluate the current situation, raise awareness, discuss legislation and regulations, and propose strategies for effective project implementation. He expressed gratitude to the Environment Climate Change, Canada and the African Policy Research Institute for their support and encouraged participants to reaffirm their commitment to a cleaner environment.
The Federal Government’s initiative to address methane emissions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector reflects its dedication to environmental sustainability and climate action, ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations.
