In a proactive move towards environmental sustainability and climate action, the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, announced plans for regular reviews of oil companies’ strategies to end routine gas flaring by 2030. This initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to reducing methane emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
Speaking at the national stakeholders engagement meeting on methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in Abuja, Salako emphasized the urgent need to address methane emissions due to its significant impact on climate change and public health. He highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts and rigorous research to identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities for effective national actions.
Salako reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to environmental sustainability, aligning with multilateral environmental agreements. He underscored the role of initiatives such as the project on methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector in advancing Nigeria’s climate action agenda.
Echoing Salako’s sentiments, Mahmud Kambari, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the high stakes and opportunities in addressing methane emissions. He called for collective expertise, innovation, and resources to drive sustainable development and enhance energy security in Nigeria.
Dr. Olumide Abimbola, Executive Director of the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI), stressed the urgent need to tackle methane emissions’ pressing impacts on climate and the environment. He highlighted APRI’s collaborative project with the Department of Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, aimed at methane mitigation and reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Supported by the Government of Canada, this project aligns with Nigeria’s climate action commitments and offers co-benefits for public health, food security, and economic development.