NEITI Seeks Stronger Legislative Action To End Methane Emission
By Stephanie Odiase
The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has called for a clear policy declaration that must institutionalize a methane governance regime that is robust, enforceable, transparent, and aligned with international best practices as the era of business-as-usual in methane emissions management is over.
NEITI called on the National Assembly and regulators to strengthen enforcement provisions in the PIA and ensure transparent and accountable issuance of permits under the 2023 Gas Flaring, Venting, and Methane Emissions Regulations.
The Executive Secretary of NEITI, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, stated this at a high-level policy dialogue on “Strengthening Methane Emissions Framework” held today in Abuja in collaboration with the Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI) and Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI).
The Executive Secretary who explained that Methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in its impact on global warming, said Nigeria cannot claim seriousness on climate commitments, if we ignore the silent crisis of methane pollution across our extractive industries.
“Nigeria’s climate commitments will remain hollow without concrete action on methane reduction. Methane action is climate action, economic action, and social justice,” Dr. Orji reiterated.
As part of its intervention, NEITI announced the adoption of a new Energy Transition and Climate Accountability Framework, which mandates mandatory tracking of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate risks, independent oversight of oil company divestments, monitoring of Host Community Development Trusts under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and alignment of NEITI audit cycles with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Dr. Orji revealed that NEITI has already integrated methane and greenhouse gas disclosures into its 2022 and 2023 oil and gas industry reports, with 15 companies reporting emissions data. “Going forward, NEITI will not publish any extractive industry report without climate and emissions data. This is a new standard and a non-negotiable requirement,” he stated.
NEITI expressed concern over the volume of gas flared in 2023, amounting to 183.408 billion standard cubic feet (SCF), with an estimated economic value of $458.52 million or ₦685.95 billion. Dr. Orji emphasized that such losses, if sustained, could amount to over $2.29 billion or ₦3.43 trillion in five years; funds that could support education, health, infrastructure, and climate resilience for host communities.
The. Chairman, House Committee on Gas Resources, Hon. Mutu Nicholas Ebomo, represented by Hon. Aluko Ahmed Yinka, affirmed that the House Committee on Gas Resources is fully aware of the delicate balance between maximizing the economic potential of our gas sector and ensuring that we do so in a manner that is environmentally responsible and sustainable.
The Senior Country Officer of the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), Ms. Tengi George Ikoli, in her remarks commended Nigeria for its strong commitment both nationally and internationally, and expressed hope that Nigeria is moving towards achieving methane emissions in line with global best practices.
“At the same time, Nigeria is scaling up natural gas development as part of its energy and economic strategy. This is a sovereign choice. But with that choice comes responsibility—to ensure that the sector is governed in a way that is transparent, efficient, environmentally safe, and socially responsive”. Ms. Ikoli stated.
“If Nigeria is to pursue gas as a transition fuel, it must make the case convincingly—by strengthening its methane governance framework so that this pathway remains realistic, competitive, and aligned with global standards and climate imperatives. This is especially urgent in the face of evolving international regulations like the EU Methane Regulation, which could soon affect market access for Nigeria’s exports” She added.
The Executive Director of the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI), Mr. Olusegun Elemo stated that the PLSI is fully committed to the process of achieving methane reduction and will continue to collaborate with stakeholders and actors in the process to ensure the goal is met.
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