The largest oil producer in Africa plans to enter the international gas market as part of a broader strategy to achieve net-zero Emissions by 2060. Aiming to increase gas production to 10 billion cubic feet daily by 2025, Nigeria aims to leverage its energy reserves to drive economic growth, industrial development, and a shift to sustainable energy. Beyond power generation, the federal government is exploring gas for cleaner cooking, transportation, and industrial uses, positioning it as a key element in its Eco-friendly transition.
However, this ambitious agenda has environmental challenges, particularly the issue of methane emissions. Methane is a Greenhouse energy that is 28 times more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a century, highlighting the importance of reducing its emissions to mitigate climate change. The nation’s Oil and Gas Industry is responsible for about 40% of the region’s greenhouse energy emissions, mainly due to methane. As a result, methane is a major contributor to Climate Change and poses a serious environmental risk. As the nation plans to grow its energy sector, increased extraction and processing could worsen this problem.
Due to leaks and venting, the energy sector loses 1.4b cubic feet annually.
Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA), emphasises the need to address methane emissions as the nation pursues its hydrocarbon ambitions. With over 20 years of experience in the oil industry, she strongly advocates for cleaner energy and anti-flaring initiatives. She believes that while energy targets present economic opportunities, reducing methane emissions is essential for minimising environmental impact. In collaboration with the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), CTA organised a workshop to educate journalists and promote public discussion on the broader impacts of Nigeria’s energy utilisation strategies.
During the workshop, stakeholders emphasised reducing methane emissions by implementing leak detection and repair initiatives and following industry best practices in energy production, processing, and transportation. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that the energy sector loses about 1.4 billion cubic meters yearly due to leaks and venting. In order to address this issue, Nwadishi proposes seeking ideas from foreign countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Norway, on how to effectively reduce methane emissions. This may involve creating policies to control emissions, working with companies on Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) initiatives, and utilising advanced technologies like drones and sensors to detect leaks.
Experts urge govt to align energy goals with global environmental demands.
Advocacy groups like CTA and NRGI are pushing for a comprehensive approach to align the national hydrocarbon goals with international agreements, taking into account the environmental and health effects of reducing methane emissions. This strategy helps combat greenhouse energy and creates opportunities for generating extra income by capturing and using methane. Senior program officer Tengi George-Okoli from the NRGI discusses Nigeria’s challenges in achieving its energy goals. While the country has introduced comprehensive strategies such as the Gas Master Plan in 2008, the National Gas Policy in 2017, and the Decade of Gas Policy in 2021, executing these plans has been difficult.
Efforts are being made to increase the number of households and businesses powered, cut down on subsidies, encourage the use of CNG for transportation, and enhance the availability of clean cooking through LPG. Despite this, programs such as the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Program have faced challenges. George-Okoli is uncertain about the possibility of increasing hydrocarbon usage to meet the country’s energy and economic objectives. She highlights the challenges posed by international demands for cleaner energy sources and the divestment from Fossil Fuel initiatives, which could affect progress and put economic and energy stability at risk in the long run.
Related Article: Hundeyin comments on Nig’s Climate Policy
To overcome energy expansion limitations, officials need strategies for financial, infrastructural, and human resource limitations amidst the Renewable Energy transition. Balancing domestic energy needs with sustainable sector growth is vital. Focusing on reducing methane emissions is crucial to fully leveraging hydrocarbon reserves. Stakeholders believe the nation’s energy ambitions can drive economic growth, energy security, and Sustainability through sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and adherence to international standards. This approach can help address climate change, protect public health, ensure energy security, boost the economy, and demonstrate leadership in Sustainable Energy development.