The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating routine gas flaring by 2030 and cutting methane emissions by 60% by 2031 as part of a broad gas-focused energy transition strategy.
Ambitious Emissions Reduction Plan
Speaking at the 24th Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week Conference 2025 in Abuja on Wednesday, NUPRC Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe outlined the commission’s strategy during a strategic session titled “Positioning Nigeria’s Upstream Oil & Gas for Energy Security, Sustainability and Economic Resilience.”
Komolafe said the approach is designed to monetise Nigeria’s vast gas reserves while simultaneously creating thousands of green jobs.
“Our gas-centric transition strategy is not only about reducing emissions but also about turning these environmental goals into economic opportunities,” he said.
Policy Backing and Strategic Initiatives
The commission’s strategy is supported by several government-led initiatives, including:
- The Decade of Gas policy, aimed at making gas the dominant fuel in Nigeria’s energy mix
- The Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, designed to capture and monetise gas currently wasted through flaring
- The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative, promoting cleaner, more affordable transportation fuels
Komolafe explained that these programs reflect a coordinated push to reposition Nigeria as a gas-driven economy, with far-reaching implications for energy security and sustainability.
Expanding Infrastructure and Regional Impact
He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand Nigeria’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) capacity, deploy floating LNG infrastructure, and develop cross-border pipelines.
“Nigeria is building Liquefied Natural Gas capacity, deploying floating infrastructure, and leading cross-border pipeline development to fuel not only its own economy but Africa’s industrial renaissance,” Komolafe noted.
Decarbonisation Framework and Carbon Markets
The NUPRC chief also pointed to Nigeria’s Upstream Decarbonisation Framework, which integrates emissions tracking systems, measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) tools, carbon capture technology, and access to climate finance through carbon markets.
“These aren’t just policies; they are opportunities for investment, innovation, and inclusive growth,” he added.
Decarbonisation Day and Stakeholder Engagement
Komolafe recalled that in March 2025, the commission inaugurated the Decarbonisation and Energy Sustainability Forum and officially declared March 18 as Nigeria’s Upstream Decarbonisation Day.
He said the annual event will serve as a rallying point for stakeholders to monitor progress, share knowledge, and accelerate climate-aligned development in the sector.
New Ecosystem for Carbon Services
Highlighting Nigeria’s evolving approach to emissions management, Komolafe stressed that emissions reductions can become revenue-generating streams.
“We are enabling emissions reductions to become revenue streams through a new ecosystem of carbon services, including monitoring, consulting, tech deployment, while maintaining high environmental and asset integrity,” he said.
Building a Sustainable, Resilient Sector
The gas-centric strategy reflects Nigeria’s broader ambition to secure energy supply, support industrialisation, and build a resilient economy capable of thriving in a lower-carbon future.
Industry observers see these commitments as critical for attracting international investment, enhancing environmental stewardship, and positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s energy transition.