Zero emissions: NOSDRA, stakeholders restate commitment to reduce gas flaring

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), have reiterated commitments to reduce gas flaring in Nigeria.

The stakeholders stated this at the National Extractives Dialogue 2024, in Abuja on Friday.

The event is with the theme, “Gas Flare Reduction: A Catalyst for Accelerating Nigeria’s Path to Net-Zero Emissions and Sustainable Development”.

Mr Chukwuemeka Woke, the Director-General of NOSDRA, said this was in line with NOSDRA’s mission to tackle the issue of gas flaring and the resultant methane emissions in Nigeria.

“The reduction of gas flaring is integral to this mission, aligning with our broader mandate to safeguard the environment from the adverse effects of oil and gas activities.

“Today, we are not simply discussing an environmental issue, but we are confronting fundamental challenge that profoundly impacts our national development and global commitments,” he said.

Woke expressed concern that persistent practice of gas flaring had marred the landscape of Nigeria’s natural resources.

He said that by tackling gas flares head-on, the country could unlock new pathways for energy efficiency, economic diversification and community resilience.

According to Woke, this will in turn boost economic growth and job creation in the country in line with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point Agenda.

He said that critical stakeholders could work towards reducing gas flaring and creating sustainable and prosperous future for the country.

In an address, Dr Orji Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, said the dialogue offered stakeholders a constructive platform to discuss means of propelling gas flare-down, carbon footprint reduction and sustainable development.

Orji was represented by Dr Dieter Bassi, Director Policy Planning and Strategy, NEITI