FG, Institute Plan Methane Mitigation In Nigeria’s Gas Sector

The Federal Government of Nigeria is collaborating with the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) to advance methane mitigation in the country's oil and gas sector. Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, emphasized the importance of reducing methane emissions for environmental and economic reasons.

Nigeria has endorsed the Paris Agreement and embedded a 61% methane reduction target in its 2021 Nationally Determined Contribution. Initiatives like the National Gas Policy and the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme aim to promote the capture and productive use of associated gas to reduce flaring.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission enforces guidelines for monitoring methane leaks and repairs to enhance environmental safeguards. Dr. Mohammed Dahiru Aminu of the Clean Air Task Force stressed the urgency of methane reduction to combat global warming, urging Nigeria to implement regulations, expand leak detection programs, and invest in methane capture infrastructure.

International partnerships and technology transfer are essential for Nigeria to effectively address methane emissions in its oil and gas sector.