By Yemi Olakitan
According to the recent Oil and Gas Industry in Net Zero Transitions report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), Nigeria’s efforts to reduce gas flaring intensity have plateaued since 2015.
Although the country has implemented initiatives like the Nigeria Gas Master Plan and the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulation, the report indicates that the intensity of flaring has remained relatively stable in recent years.
Between 2005 and 2015, Nigeria made substantial progress, with flaring emissions decreasing by 65%, from approximately 70 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2-eq) to 25 Mt CO2-eq.
However, since 2015, the utilization of straightforward projects and challenges posed by aging infrastructure at various plants have hindered further reductions in flaring intensity.
The report acknowledges Nigeria’s commitment to addressing the issue, citing the 1979 Associated Gas Re-injection Act as a pioneering effort in Africa to limit flaring. Despite advancements, Nigeria has encountered obstacles in consistently lowering flaring intensity, primarily due to the reliance on easily implementable projects and outdated infrastructure.
To tackle this stagnation, the Nigerian government revised its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the Paris Agreement in 2021. The updated NDC aims to reduce fugitive methane emissions from oil and gas operations by 60% by 2031 and sets specific targets to cease routine flaring by 2030.
In 2022, the government released regulations to control greenhouse gas emissions from upstream oil and gas operations, emphasizing repair methods, prohibitions on cold venting, and criteria for combustion efficiency.
These regulations mandate operators to develop comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) management strategies, including timelines for achieving net-zero emissions, accounting procedures, and emission inventories. Regular monitoring and reporting of flaring and venting volumes are essential components of these plans.
In the broader context of Africa’s energy landscape, the IEA report notes that natural gas constitutes only 5% of the energy mix in sub-Saharan Africa. Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria are the leading gas producers on the continent, accounting for nearly 80% of the natural gas produced.
Despite challenges, Africa has seen significant gas discoveries over the past decade, with several countries undergoing substantial gas production expansions.
Switching gears, the report also highlights an innovative initiative by Igbinedion University, Okada, in Edo State, Nigeria. The university has embarked on designing and fabricating a lightweight electric minibus, marking a pioneering effort among Nigerian universities.
The project aligns with the university’s commitment to research, development, and innovation, aiming to produce lightweight electric vehicles, with engineering students actively participating in the endeavor.
