By Adeyemi Adekunle
To combat one of the nation’s most pressing environmental issues, the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have pledged renewed efforts to reduce gas flaring across Nigeria.
This announcement was made during the National Extractives Dialogue 2024, held on Friday in Abuja, under the theme, “Gas Flare Reduction: A Catalyst for Accelerating Nigeria’s Path to Net-Zero Emissions and Sustainable Development.”
Mr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Director-General of NOSDRA, emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to addressing the environmental and economic impacts of gas flaring. “The reduction of gas flaring is integral to this mission, aligning with our broader mandate to safeguard the environment from the adverse effects of oil and gas activities,” Woke stated.
He underscored that tackling gas flaring is not merely an environmental issue but a fundamental challenge that significantly impacts national development and Nigeria’s global commitments.
Persistent gas flaring has long plagued Nigeria, causing substantial economic losses and environmental degradation. In his address, Woke highlighted that by effectively addressing gas flaring, Nigeria could pave the way for energy efficiency, economic diversification, and enhanced community resilience.
“By confronting gas flares head-on, we unlock new pathways for economic growth and job creation, which are crucial to President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point Agenda,” he noted.
The dialogue, attended by key industry stakeholders, served as a platform to discuss strategies for reducing gas flaring and advancing sustainable development. Dr. Orji Orji, Executive Secretary of NEITI, represented by Dr. Dieter Bassi, Director of Policy Planning and Strategy, reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving these goals.
“This dialogue provides a constructive platform for stakeholders to discuss and propel gas flare-down, carbon footprint reduction, and sustainable development,” Orji remarked.
Gas flaring, the burning of natural gas associated with oil extraction, has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, contributing to both environmental pollution and economic waste.
The Nigerian government estimates that over the past eight years, the country lost approximately $5.6 billion due to gas flaring. Addressing this issue is seen as pivotal for Nigeria’s environmental and economic future.
NOSDRA and NEITI’s commitment comes at a crucial time as Nigeria seeks to meet its international climate commitments and transition towards more sustainable energy practices.
By reducing gas flaring, Nigeria aims to significantly lower its methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas, thereby contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Moreover, the reduction of gas flaring is expected to have a positive impact on local communities, improving air quality and health outcomes while fostering economic opportunities. “This initiative is about creating a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria,” Woke emphasized.
As the dialogue come to an end, it was clear that the collaborative efforts of NOSDRA, NEITI, and other critical stakeholders are poised to drive significant progress in reducing gas flaring.
The commitment to action demonstrated at the National Extractives Dialogue 2024 marks a pivotal step towards achieving Nigeria’s net-zero emissions target and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.
