ABUJA, August 12–13 – In a bold move to accelerate climate action in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, APRI - Africa Policy Research Institute, in close collaboration with the Department of Climate Change (DCC) at the Federal Ministry of Environment, convened a high-level, two-day workshop titled “Clearing the Air: Advancing Methane Mitigation and Reduction in Nigeria’s Oil & Gas Sector.”
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with over 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making it a critical driver of climate change. Nigeria’s oil and gas sector is among the most methane-intensive in Africa, posing both environmental and public health risks. The Methane Mitigation and Reduction Project (MMRP) addresses this challenge by assessing policy and operational gaps while identifying practical opportunities for targeted emissions reduction.
The event, which brought together policymakers, civil society organizations, industry experts, and development partners, the event advanced Nigeria’s methane mitigation agenda through the launch of the Methane Mitigation and Reduction Project (MMRP) Report. It also featured three tailored capacity-building workshops designed to equip participants with practical tools for implementation.
Speaking at the event, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Honourable Minister of Environment, highlighted the federal government’s commitment to driving its implementation.
"We view methane reduction not just as an environmental necessity but as a strategic national priority. The findings in this report provide a clearer direction for action, from embedding methane targets into our national frameworks to strengthening regulatory enforcement across key agencies," he said.
The Minister emphasized that the Ministry is fully committed to working with all partners to ensure these recommendations lead to real and measurable change.
In his remarks, Dr. Olumide Abimbola, Executive Director at APRI, stated that methane mitigation is a crucial step toward meeting Nigeria’s climate commitments:
"This report not only highlights where urgent attention is needed, such as enforcement, policy coherence, and technology adoption, but also offers a clear roadmap for industry and government action."
Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, Director of the Department of Climate Change, emphasized the importance of coordination:
"This workshop is a platform to translate the report’s findings into action. We aim to empower every stakeholder from regulators to civil society to play a part in reducing methane emissions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector."
The first day of the event featured keynote speeches, a panel discussion with cross-sectoral experts, and a plenary session to chart actionable next steps.
Central to the day’s proceedings was the formal launch of the MMRP Report, led by Dr. Mahmoud Ibrahim Mahmoud, Senior Climate Change Fellow at APRI. Dr. Mahmoud walked participants through the report’s core findings and actionable recommendations.
The second day of the event focused on intensive capacity-building through three tailored workshops for policymakers, civil society organizations, and industry professionals.
Policymakers examined strategies for integrating methane targets into national frameworks such as Nigeria’s NDCs, while refining approaches to regulation and enforcement across agencies. Civil society actors engaged in practical sessions on interpreting emissions data, as well as using satellite and blockchain tools. The industry track explored cutting-edge technologies for leak detection and real-time monitoring.
These workshops empowered participants with actionable skills and insights to lead and support methane reduction efforts across policy, advocacy and operations.
The event reinforced the importance of methane mitigation not only as a climate necessity but as a strategic opportunity to drive cleaner growth, enhance public health.
Notes to editors
The Department of Climate Change (DCC) is one of the departments in the Federal Ministry of Environment (Nigeria). It serves as a vehicle for driving national climate action efforts in Nigeria.
Media Contact:
Vincent Reich
APRI - Africa Policy Research Private Institute gUG
+49 15 125790038
press@afripoli.org
About APRI
APRI – Africa Policy Research Institute is an independent and nonpartisan African think tank. It researches key policy issues affecting African countries and the African continent. APRI also provides policy options to African policymakers and civil society actors.
