NIGERIA: FG Implementing Concrete Actions On Methane Reduction

By Lisa Chankat, Abuja

The Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, says Nigeria has rolled out concrete measures to accelerate methane-emission reductions and eliminate routine gas flaring.

He announced the initiatives at the Sub-Saharan African Roundtable on Methane Emissions held in Abuja.

Speaking on the event theme; “Turning Methane Pledges into Action, the Minister listed the strict enforcement of flare-out deadlines mandated in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as one of the outlines measures taken by the government to meet its methane-reduction and energy-transition goals under national and global commitments.

He noted that regulators have been directed to intensify compliance monitoring and ensure operators adhere to the timelines set for ending routine gas flaring.

According to him, Nigeria is also deploying an expanded array of methane-detection technologies, including satellite surveillance, drones, and handheld sensors, to enhance leak detection and repair initiatives across upstream and midstream facilities.

These tools aim to deliver real-time data, improve accountability, and minimize emissions.

To complement regulatory actions, the minister highlighted new commercial incentives for methane abatement, covering flare-to-power projects, LPG market expansion, and small-scale LNG development.

These frameworks, he listed, were designed to convert what was previously wasted gas into economic value supporting industries, powering homes, and creating jobs.

Ekpo noted that Nigeria’s push was not happening in isolation as the country was strengthening regional cooperation, harmonizing standards, and promoting best practices among Sub-Saharan African producers.

“We are ready to work with our neighbours to create scalable models that transform methane-related challenges into economic opportunities for the entire continent,” he said.

He said the drive to expand domestic gas use has already enabled over one million households to switch to LPG as their primary cooking fuel a key milestone for environmental protection and market growth.

The target, he noted, is to reach at least five million households by 2030 in line with the government’s clean energy transition goals.