The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has affirmed its dedication to collaborating with international partners to curb methane emissions within the oil and gas sector.
According to Chief Corporate Communications Officer NNPC Ltd. Abuja Olufemi O. Soneye, this commitment was emphasized during the United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28, currently underway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At the event, the Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter was unveiled, urging the oil and gas industry to achieve net-zero emissions for their operations by 2050. Additionally, the Charter outlines commitments to achieving near-zero methane emissions and discontinuing routine flaring by 2030.
Speaking at a Panel Session titled “Accelerating the Elimination of Methane Emissions & the Decarbonization of Oil & Gas,” Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, expressed the significance of the Charter, not only for NNPC but also for the entire African sub-region.
“Africa contributes three percent to emissions, but that does not exempt us from the consequences of the emissions. I believe the decarbonization drive and the charter are not only ethical but also a strategic imperative for a major African National Oil Company (NOC) like ours. We consider this charter crucial, and we are committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to achieve its objectives,” stated Eyesan.
She highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to achieving near-zero methane emissions by declaring the current decade as the “Decade of Gas.” This initiative aims to not only increase gas production for export but also to cater to the local economy and the broader African sub-region.
“We are open to working with our partners towards achieving zero-flare and methane emission reduction by 2030. This aligns seamlessly with our goals, and we believe it is an attainable objective,” Eyesan assured.
Identifying finance and technology as major challenges, Eyesan emphasized the need for collaboration with partners possessing the necessary technology and financial resources. She further affirmed NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources through investments in solar, wind, and other renewable sources.
