The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Engr Gbenga Komolafe, has emphasized the moral imperative and Nigeria’s regulatory commitment to reduce gas flaring and methane emissions in the petroleum industry.

The CCE highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to global climate goals at a two-day meeting on “Energy for Development – Institutional Cooperation Regulating the Petroleum Sector for Reduced Flaring and Methane Emissions,” organized by the Norwegian mission in Nigeria.

Represented by the Executive Commissioner of Development and Production of the NUPRC, Mr. Enorense Amadasun, Engr Komolafe cited Nigeria’s guidelines for managing emissions and the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

On Nigeria’s Gas Flaring Commercialization Programme, he noted that the NGFCP aims to transform environmental challenges into economic opportunities for Nigeria. This initiative, he says, has already led to a significant reduction in flare emissions, down to 7% in the industry.

Speaking on the importance of bilateral cooperation, the NUPRC Boss cited Norway’s leadership in hydroelectric and carbon capture technologies as offering invaluable lessons for Nigeria while, in turn, Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves and renewable energy sector present opportunities for Norway to engage in Africa’s dynamic energy markets.

On regulation in the industry, Komolafe stressed the critical role of NUPRC in ensuring that energy development is environmentally responsible. He emphasized the need for stringent environmental standards and policies encouraging investment in cleaner energy technologies.

As the global energy landscape evolves, Engr Gbenga Komolafe called for shared learning and collaborative innovations to accelerate progress towards a sustainable future, as he underscores Nigeria’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its readiness to engage in international partnerships to achieve sustainable energy development.