- The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited says it is committed to achieving 60 per cent of methane emissions in the oil and gas sector by 2031
- It said methane emissions reduction is critical to Nigeria’s energy transition plans
- NNPCL collaborated with Deloitte and the US Bureau of Energy Resources to launch methane abatement initiatives and a pilot project in the Niger Delta
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has restated its commitment to a 60 per cent reduction in methane emissions in the oil and gas sector by 2031.
In a post on its official X platform, the company said it aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
The NNPCL said it is taking bold steps towards combating climate change, which aligns with the nation’s leadership role in Africa under the Global Methane Pledge initiative.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, during a meeting with the U.S. State Department’s Global Methane Programme Manager, Robert Leahman, and a team from Deloitte in Abuja on Thursday, December 5, said reducing methane emissions is critical to Nigeria’s energy transition.
Kyari said, “Reducing methane emissions is not just an environmental necessity but also a strategic imperative for Nigeria’s energy transition. We are leveraging partnerships to adopt global best practices and innovative solutions.”
Partnership to reduce Nigeria’s methane emissions
The statement added that the meeting focused on collaborative methane abatement initiatives, including a pilot project in the Niger Delta, a joint effort between NNPC, Deloitte, and the U.S. Bureau of Energy Resources.
It said the project aims to establish emissions baselines, mitigate methane leaks, and promote sustainable practices across Nigeria’s energy operations by implementing data-driven methodologies to identify and address methane hotspots.
The company’s X post read, “In partnership with U.S. organisations such as Deloitte and the Bureau of Energy Resources, NNPC Ltd. has launched a methane abatement pilot project in the Niger Delta.
“This project focuses on establishing emissions in baselines, reducing methane leaks, and scaling sustainable practices across operations.
“These efforts align with Nigeria’s ambitious targets to reduce methane emissions in the oil and gas sector by 60 per cent by 2031 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
“They underscore the nation’s leadership in Africa under the Global Methane Pledge, demonstrating a commitment to tackling climate change and advancing energy sector sustainability.”
Leahman said Nigeria’s proactive approach is on track and sets a standard for the continent while stressing the global impact of such efforts.
He said, “Nigeria’s leadership under the Global Methane Pledge sets a standard for the continent. These initiatives will not only help reduce emissions but also drive sustainable development in the energy sector.”
Kyari noted that the initiative is crucial in achieving Nigeria’s climate goals.
He said, “This collaboration is a game-changer. By addressing methane leaks, we’re reducing waste, saving costs, and protecting the environment. It’s a win-win for our economy and the planet.”
Okonjo-Iweala, other global trade leaders call for urgent action on clean energy, climate policies
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), emphasised the critical need to significantly increase renewable energy production and improve energy efficiency to meet the Paris Agreement goals by 2030 in a strong push for global sustainability.
Speaking at the fifth edition of Trade and Environment Week in Geneva, which was held from October 7 to October 11, 2024, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the growing role of trade policies in promoting environmental responsibility and enabling a shift toward clean energy.
