The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to reduce the adverse effects of carbon emissions in Nigeria.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, stated this on Thursday, May 23, 2024, in Abuja.
He said this at the inaugural workshop on quarterly reporting of utilisation efforts and initiatives towards the reduction of carbon footprints (emissions) in Nigeria.
Salako said the workshop presented the proactive stance of the Federal Ministry of Environment’s pursuit of sustainable environmental practices.
“Today’s gathering marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints (emissions).
“It also mitigates the negative impact of climate change, particularly in the vital sector of oil and gas activities,” he said.
He said the workshop to reduce carbon footprint by the oil and gas sector, underscores the unwavering dedication to accelerating the gas flare-down dates within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“The introduction of the Nigerian Gas Flare Tracker (NGFT) tool stands as a testament to our commitment to innovative solutions.
“This unique, technologically driven environmental regulatory tool not only identifies gas flare sites with precision but also quantifies carbon emissions.
“It also computes economic values and estimates the power generation potential of the flared gas.
“As a monitoring mechanism, reporting on a quarterly basis to National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).
“The agency serves as the secretariat saddled with the responsibility to fast-track the gas flare-down dates of oil and gas operators in Nigeria is expected,” he said.
The minister said this would enable Nigeria to achieve its goal on the nation’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP) which defines a pathway to achieving a net zero target in 2060.
In a remark, the out- going Director- General, NOSDRA, Mr Idris Musa, said that since inception, the agency had been at the forefront of efforts to combat oil and gas pollution.
He said that NOSDRA was also at the forefront of championing a technology- driven approach to environmental regulations.
Musa said that the introduction of the NGFT as a tool stands as s shining example of the agency’s commitment to invocation and excellence.
He said that upcoming inauguration of the Satellite – based Methane Emission Tracker represented a significant milestone in the agency’s journey towards achieving tier 2 and 3 data reporting requirements.
“This is as outlined in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission data grade requirement,” he said.
Musa said that the quarterly reporting initiative would help to overcome some of the regulatory gaps in the oil and gas regulations.
Oil industry operators who made presentations, displayed their level of gas utilisation to reduce the adverse effects of carbon emissions in the country.
By Doris Esa
