NUPRC and NNPCL Face Criticism Over Methane Emissions

A report published by Nigeria’s Guardian Newspaper criticized the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Ltd (NNPCL) for their regulatory failures concerning methane emissions. The report pointed out corporate negligence and the inconsistency of Nigeria's commitment to net zero while continuing fossil fuel exploration.

It emphasized that the NUPRC should enforce methane abatement regulations and make all emissions data publicly accessible. The report also referenced a September 2024 document from the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), which revealed significant discrepancies in methane emissions reporting, indicating a credibility crisis.

The NUPRC had acknowledged limitations in technical capacity and infrastructure during implementation. The article called for immediate independent third-party verification of self-reported emissions data, stressing that the credibility of the carbon market depends on effective enforcement of regulations.