The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration and transparency to accelerate carbon reduction across the oil and gas value chain, as parties within the global energy sector aim for net-zero emissions by 2050. Speaking at the “Decarbonising Operations across Upstream, Midstream and Downstream” panel during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC 2024), NNPC Group CEO, Mele Kyari, underscored this call.
Represented by NNPC Ltd’s Executive Director, Upstream, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, Kyari highlighted Africa’s unique challenge of balancing decarbonization efforts with energy poverty.
He detailed two key policy shifts by Nigeria to support its decarbonization goals, “One is declaring the decade of gas as transition fuel from a predominantly
diesel and fuel economy to a gas-driven economy, while the second is the
removal of fuel subsidy. NNPC Ltd has relied on these two policies to drive
the nation’s decarbonization agenda,” Kyari said.
Kyari noted that as a signatory to the Oil & Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC), Nigeria is committed to achieving gas flare-out by 2030, leveraging its vast gas reserves of approximately 209 trillion cubic feet (tcf) for automotive and power generation applications. However, he acknowledged that accessing capital for gas projects has been challenging, as financing primarily comes from international oil companies (IOCs), which tend to prioritize export-focused gas projects.
Kyari further advocated for support mechanisms to help energy-challenged countries access necessary capital. He urged that the OGDC should facilitate a level playing field, accommodating the different starting points of various nations in the global decarbonization journey. “Understanding our differences is crucial, even as we work toward a shared goal,” he added.
Highlighting the successes of industry collaboration, Kyari cited NNPC’s partnership with TotalEnergies on methane measurement and detection, as a demonstration of effective technological cooperation in emissions reduction.
With over 180,000 attendees, ADIPEC 2024 is reputed to be the largest gathering of energy professionals worldwide. Celebrating its 40th edition under the theme “Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy,” the event fosters innovation and collaboration among global energy leaders working to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy solutions.
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