NNPC Limited, Nigeria’s premier energy company, has taken a groundbreaking step in its environmental sustainability efforts by officially joining the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0.

This significant move underscores the company’s strategic commitment to reducing its environmental impact, with a clear goal of achieving net zero methane intensity by 2030. The announcement was made through an official statement from NNPC Limited, emphasizing the critical role the company plays in advancing global climate action.

“As a leading National Oil Company (NOC), NNPC Limited recognizes the critical role it plays in reducing methane emissions and fostering environmental accountability.
“OGMP 2.0 provides a robust, measurement-based international reporting framework, enabling companies to enhance transparency, scale accountability, and adopt best practices for methane emissions reduction.”
NNPC Limited

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas with a warming potential over 25 times greater than carbon dioxide, is a significant contributor to climate change.

By joining OGMP 2.0, NNPC Limited is committing to adopt advanced methodologies for methane detection, reporting, and mitigation. The framework will help the company improve transparency, establish accountability, and drive tangible progress in reducing emissions.

NNPC also reaffirmed its dedication to the responsible production of hydrocarbons. “Joining OGMP 2.0 highlights the commitment to leveraging credible frameworks to drive measurable progress in our decarbonisation journey.”

In December 2023, NNPC Limited further strengthened its environmental commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TotalEnergies.

This partnership will deploy cutting-edge methane detection technology across NNPC’s upstream operations, marking a new chapter in its decarbonization efforts.

At the heart of this agreement is the deployment of the Airborne Ultralight Spectrometer for Environmental Application (AUSEA), a state-of-the-art technology developed by TotalEnergies.

AUSEA is designed to provide precise measurements of methane emissions, enabling effective monitoring and mitigation strategies.

“This move reinforces the company’s dedication to cutting methane emissions while contributing to Nigeria’s broader climate ambitions and aligning with global environmental standards.”
NNPC Limited

The collaboration with TotalEnergies was a direct outcome of NNPC Limited’s participation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, UAE.

The partnership reflects NNPC’s proactive approach to addressing methane emissions, aligning with its commitment to both Nigeria’s climate goals and global environmental standards.

Technological Advancements for Sustainability

AUSEA technology employs advanced sensors to capture detailed data on methane emissions from upstream operations.

This data is critical for designing and implementing effective mitigation strategies, ensuring compliance with international environmental benchmarks while reducing the company’s carbon footprint.

“The pilot phase of the AUSEA deployment will be implemented on NNPC’s owned operations. This agreement is a milestone in enabling us to deploy methane abatement measures effectively,” remarked Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NNPC Ltd.’s Executive Vice President for Upstream.

By deploying this advanced technology, NNPC Limited is setting a benchmark for the oil and gas sector in Nigeria and beyond.

The initiative demonstrates the company’s commitment to integrating innovation into its operational framework, addressing methane emissions as a key component of its sustainability strategy.

OGMP 2.0 is an initiative launched by UNEP’s Climate and Clean Air Coalition in collaboration with the European Commission. It provides a comprehensive platform for oil and gas companies to systematically measure, report, and mitigate methane emissions.

The partnership requires participants to adhere to stringent reporting standards, ensuring credibility and accountability in their environmental practices.

NNPC Limited’s decision to join OGMP 2.0 is a reflection of its broader alignment with global best practices in emissions management. It also signals a shift in the company’s operational ethos, prioritizing sustainability alongside profitability.

NNPC Limited’s decision to join OGMP 2.0 and its partnership with TotalEnergies are clear indicators of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

These initiatives not only bolster its reputation as a responsible energy company but also position it as a leader in the global effort to reduce methane emissions.

NNPC’s efforts will undoubtedly contribute to reducing the environmental impact of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking energy leader committed to global climate goals.