Stakeholders Call for Action on Gas Flaring in Nigeria

During a webinar titled "Leverage Media Storytelling to Strengthen Accountability for Methane Emissions," stakeholders raised concerns about gas flaring in Nigeria's oil-producing communities, particularly in the Niger Delta. Tengi Georg Ikoli from the Natural Resource Governance Institute noted that Nigeria faces challenges in balancing gas expansion with commitments to reduce methane emissions and eliminate routine gas flaring.

Methane emissions are increasingly viewed as an economic concern, especially as major export markets, particularly in Europe, begin to assess the environmental conditions of energy products. Ikoli emphasized the need for stronger regulatory enforcement, a unified approach to measuring methane emissions, and credible disclosure from companies regarding their emissions management.

Key measures suggested include the establishment of robust measurement standards, a commercial program for gas flaring, and improved monitoring and verification systems across the oil and gas value chain. These steps are critical for Nigeria to align its gas development strategy with methane reduction targets.