By Grace Samuel
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, has emphasized the urgency of addressing methane emissions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The Minister called for unified action towards a cleaner, healthier environment. He said as a way of ending methane emissions, the federal government will launch “Project Methane Mitigation and Reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector”.
Salako spoke at the National Stakeholders’ Engagement, in Abuja on Tuesday.
He pointed out that the ministry, in collaboration with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, (NESDRA) will embark on regular reviews of both international and indigenous oil companies’ plans to ensure alignment with the goal of ending routine gas flaring by 2030.
He said “Collaborative efforts of government institutions have led to the development of methane guidelines. In addition, the Federal Ministry of Environment through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency will be commencing the periodic review of the plans of international and indigenous oil companies to ensure they stay on course to end routine gas flaring by latest 2030.
“Furthermore, Nigeria is poised to embark on methane reduction projects that will enable Nigeria’s commitment to methane reduction and meeting net zero emissions by 2060. It is, therefore, reassuring to see initiatives such as the project methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which is being initiated with today’s event.
While thanking partners like Environment Climate Change Canada and the African Policy Research Institute for their support and President Bola Tinubu for their resolve in addressing climate change issues in Nigeria, Salako noted that through rigorous research and collaborative efforts, stakeholders can identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for effective national actions.
“This national stakeholders engagement event is expected to serve as a platform to discuss the complexities of methane mitigation and reduction within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. Presentations here today will provide insights and overview on existing policies and implementation strategies, including key stakeholders involved in these efforts. Through rigorous research and collaborative efforts, we can identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for effective national actions,” he added.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Africa Policy Research Institute, Dr Olumide Abimbola, noted that there is a need to address the pressing impacts of methane emissions on climate and environment.
Abimbola, who was represented by Chibuikem Agbaegbu, the event marks a significant milestone in the collective efforts of tackling greenhouse gas emission in the country.
“Recognizing this urgent need, APRI, in close collaboration with the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, has embarked on a crucial project focused on methane mitigation and reduction within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“This project, funded by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada, underscores the strategic importance of taking proactive steps to reduce methane emissions. Not only does it align with Nigeria’s climate action commitments, but it also offers opportunities to unlock co-benefits for public health, food security, and economic development, in line with Nigeria’s national and sustainable development goals.
“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts. It provides a platform for stakeholders from diverse sectors to come together, share insights, and chart a unified course towards sustainable methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria. Through constructive dialogue and collaboration, we aim to identify challenges, explore opportunities, and pave the way for effective and sustained action,” he stated.