By Abbas Nazil
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency has launched a Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage initiative in collaboration with the Africa Carbon Management Technology & Innovation Centre of Excellence to strengthen environmental sustainability and support Nigeria’s transition to cleaner industrial practices.
The initiative, unveiled in Port Harcourt, was developed in partnership with the Clean Energy Ministerial Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Initiative, marking a significant step toward reducing industrial carbon emissions across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, Innocent Barikor described the project as an important milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward environmental sustainability, climate resilience and industrial transformation.
He explained that Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage technology offers an economically viable pathway for reducing carbon emissions by capturing and redirecting carbon dioxide for productive uses rather than releasing it into the atmosphere.
According to him, the captured carbon can be used in several sectors including beverage production, cement manufacturing, chemical and fuel production, enhanced oil recovery and agricultural activities.
Barikor emphasised that the adoption of such innovative technologies would help industries reduce their carbon footprint while improving productivity and supporting national climate commitments.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Owunari Georgewill, commended the initiative and described it as a practical approach to achieving Nigeria’s energy transition targets set for 2035.
He stated that the university was well positioned to host the initiative, noting that its Energy Technology Institute has developed expertise in energy transition and related technological innovations.
Georgewill added that the institution’s research capacity and technical knowledge would contribute significantly to the successful implementation of carbon management strategies in Nigeria.
Speaking on the broader vision of the project, Richard Victor Osu said the initiative aims to position Nigeria as a regional leader in carbon management technologies and strengthen the country’s role in global climate action.
He explained that Port Harcourt was selected as the project location due to its identification as one of the potential hubs for carbon capture and storage development in the country.
Osu noted that the city’s industrial activities and strategic relevance make it suitable for piloting advanced carbon management technologies that can later be expanded to other regions.
Also speaking at the launch, Juho Lipponen assured stakeholders that the international partnership would support Nigeria in prioritising carbon capture technology in clean energy discussions and national policy frameworks.
He added that the initiative would facilitate financing opportunities, promote partnerships among stakeholders and enhance the implementation of carbon management programmes.
Lipponen further explained that strengthening global collaboration would help accelerate the adoption of carbon capture solutions and improve public awareness about their benefits.
Stakeholders noted that the introduction of Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage technology represents a forward-looking strategy aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting industrial innovation.
They also emphasised that such initiatives would contribute to achieving national climate goals, improving environmental quality and strengthening Nigeria’s position in international environmental sustainability efforts.
Experts believe that the successful implementation of the project could encourage further investment in carbon management technologies and create new opportunities for industrial growth and environmental protection across the country.
