By Obiabin Onukwugha
A frontline civic organization, BudgIT, has disclosed that methane (CH4) emissions pose alarming health risks on the environment and people, especially in communities where oil and gas exploration takes place.
BudgIT noted that although methane remains in the atmosphere for shorter period of 7-12 years compared to centuries for carbon (CO2), methane traps significantly more heat per molecule.
BudgIT, in a documentary released on Tuesday, stated that while methane itself is highly toxic, high concentrations can displace oxygen from the air leading to asphyxiation and resulting in unconsciousness or death.
“In Nigeria, oil and gas production remains a key economic driver. However, beneath the surface of this prosperity lies a silent threat, methane (CH4), escaping daily into the atmosphere through venting, flaring and leaks,” the body said.
It stated further: “While it may seem like a distant concern, its impact are immediate, far-reaching and personal, affecting our environment, health and daily lives. Methane (CH4) is a highly potent greenhouse gas, second only to carbon dioxide (CO2) in its contribution to global warming.”
BudgIT said: “The health risks posed by methane are particularly alarming. While methane itself is highly toxic, high concentrations can displace oxygen from the air leading to asphyxiation and resulting in unconsciousness or death.”
“It also plays a significant role in forming ground level ozone, a dangerous air pollutant that worsen asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions. In heavily polluted cities where air quality is already poor, this adds a heavy burden to public health,” the body said.
It pointed out that in the Niger Delta, methane emissions are often accompanied by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous gases. These compounds, it said, have been linked to cancer, neurological disorders, and developmental issues in children.
“Communities living near gas flaring sites have reported increasing cases of respiratory illness, eye irritation and skin conditions. Methane-driven climate is also contributing to more frequent heat waves, heightening the risk of heat stroke, cardiovascular stress and outbreaks of water borne diseases like cholera. Nigeria has made notable policy commitments to tackle this in recent years,” it said.
The documentary revealed that despite several policies aimed at curbing methane emissions both globally and in Nigeria, implementation has remained a challenge.
“The Global Methane Pledge 2021, aims to cut methane emissions by 3 percent by 2030. The short-lived climate Pollutants (SLCP) Plan aims for a 50 percent reduction in methane leaks by 2030.
“The Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Program NgFCP seeks to capture and utilize flared gas for energy. However, implementation remains challenge. Flaring continues across all producing regions. Enforcement is weak and communities especially in the Niger Delta, have seen little to no tangible improvement,” the documentary further stated.
BudgIT stressed that to move from pledges to progress, Nigeria must enforce environmental regulations to hold polluters accountable, invest in clean technologies, including methane capture and leak detection systems.
“Reform waste management by converting landfills into energy generating sites, support climate smart agriculture to help farmers reduce emissions from livestock and rice farming, raise public awareness in host communities about the health risks of methane, demand transparent data with regular publicly accessible emissions reporting and leverage global support and financing to accelerate climate solutions,” BudgIT advised.
“Methane may be invisible but it’s damage is not. By cracking down on harmful practices, embracing innovation and holding polluters accountable, we can clear the air, safeguard public health and build more sustainable future,” the body stated.
