Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has stated that it is committed to advancing the cause of methane emission reduction in oil and gas operations by collaborating with international partners.

The Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter was unveiled on the fringes of the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP28, which is being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The oil and gas industry is obligated by the Charter to reach net-zero emissions for its own operations by 2050. By 2030, it also aims to attain almost zero methane emissions and eliminate routine flaring.

Speaking on the development during a Panel Session titled: “Accelerating the Elimination of Methane Emissions & the Decarbonisation of Oil & Gas,” NNPC Ltd’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said the Charter was a major opportunity not just for the NNPC Ltd., but for the African sub-region.

”Africa contributes three percent to emissions, but that does not exclude us from the consequences of the emissions. I think the decarbonisation drive and the charter are not just ethical but also a strategic imperative for a major African National Oil Company (NOC) like ours.

We believe this charter is an important one. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver on that,” Eyesan stated.

She said to achieve its near-zero methane emissions, Nigeria has since declared this decade as Decade of Gas, which is not only geared towards producing more gas for export, but also towards producing gas for local economy and that of the entire African sub-region.

”I assure you that we are open to working with our partners towards achieving zero-flare and methane emission reduction by 2030. This fits perfectly with our dreams, and we consider it achievable,” Eyesan added.

She described finance and technology as the two major challenges in delivering on the provisions of the charter, noting that for the two problems to be solved, African countries need to work with partners who have the technology and finance.

She said NNPC Ltd. remains committed to expanding its alternative energy sources through investment in solar, wind, and other renewable sources.