By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
NIGERIA’s PUSH to curb greenhouse gas emissions has gained momentum with a major reduction in routine gas flaring from offshore oil fields.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) announced it has achieved a 96% cut in flaring at the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields.
This milestone was made possible through an advanced gas reinjection strategy, directing associated gas (AG) into a designated underground storage reservoir at the Madu field in OML 85, offshore Bayelsa State.
The announcement was made in a press statement issued by Olufemi O. Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, on 6th February 2025.
Instead of being flared, the gas is now stored safely, significantly reducing environmental impact, the NNPC states.
The statement said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aim to reduce emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% with international support.
It also complies with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) regulations on flaring reduction and environmental sustainability.
NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, highlighted the significance of the achievement: “This milestone underscores our commitment to leveraging resources responsibly while optimising production to meet energy demands and sustainability goals.”
Similarly, First E&P’s Managing Director, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, stressed the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.
“By significantly cutting emissions, we are advancing a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve.”
Beyond the environmental benefits, the NNPC-First E&P Joint Venture (JV) aims to commercialise the stored gas and other stranded resources in the Niger Delta.
The company said this effort is part of a broader strategy to promote cleaner energy solutions while reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the global shift towards sustainable resource management.
