Nigeria LNG Urges Global Action on Methane Gas Mitigation to Combat Climate Change
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has called for urgent global cooperation to tackle methane emissions, emphasizing the critical role methane mitigation plays in addressing climate change and promoting environmental sustainability. Speaking in September 2025, Nigeria LNG highlighted methane as a potent greenhouse gas whose reduction offers immediate climate benefits and supports Nigeria’s long-term climate commitments.
Methane, the main component of natural gas, has over 80 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, making it a major short-lived climate pollutant driving global warming. Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest oil and gas producers and a significant methane emitter, accounting for approximately 16% of sub-Saharan Africa’s methane emissions between 2010 and 2020. Methane emissions in Nigeria mainly arise from gas flaring, venting, and leaks in the oil and gas sector, estimated at over 439.8 kilotons annually, contributing heavily to greenhouse gas emissions and causing environmental degradation and health risks in host communities.
Nigeria LNG’s call comes amid the country’s increasing focus on methane reduction as part of broader climate action strategies. Nigeria was the first African nation to adopt formal methane guidelines in January 2023, with mandatory leak detection and repair requirements for oil and gas companies. This legislative progress aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and its ambitious commitment under the Global Methane Pledge to cut methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
Speaking on the matter, a senior NLNG representative stated, “Methane mitigation is not just an environmental imperative but a strategic economic opportunity for Nigeria. By reducing methane emissions, we can unlock significant economic value, improve public health, and fulfill our climate commitments. Global collaboration is essential to mobilize the technology, finance, and regulatory frameworks needed for this transition.” The International Energy Agency estimates that Nigeria could gain USD 1.5 billion annually through methane reduction strategies.
Experts point to the availability of proven technologies like leak detection and repair (LDAR) systems and satellite-based methane tracking tools that can quickly and cost-effectively reduce methane emissions. The Nigerian government, supported by international partners such as the Clean Air Task Force, has made strides in building regulatory capacity and deploying digital tools like the Nigerian Gas Flare Tracker and Satellite-based Methane Emission Tracker to monitor and enforce emission reductions.
Despite these efforts, funding gaps remain a significant obstacle. Nigeria still requires substantial financial support to fully implement methane mitigation across its oil and gas value chain. The country has sought international climate finance packages, including an initial USD 10 billion support ahead of COP27, though full funding remains elusive.
The real-life impacts of methane emissions include worsened air quality, increased respiratory diseases in oil-producing communities, and economic losses from vented or flared gas that could otherwise be monetized or used domestically. Reducing methane not only mitigates climate change but also promotes sustainable development by improving health outcomes and energy efficiency.
Looking ahead, Nigeria LNG urges global stakeholders—governments, industry players, and multilateral institutions—to intensify cooperative action on methane mitigation. The call is for enhanced investment, technology transfer, and robust regulatory frameworks worldwide to meet climate goals and ensure a sustainable energy future.
In summary, Nigeria LNG’s advocacy highlights methane gas reduction as a critical, achievable climate strategy with far-reaching economic and environmental benefits. For Nigeria and the global community, advancing methane mitigation involves scaling up technologies, securing international financing, and fostering global partnerships to address this potent greenhouse gas and accelerate climate action.
Next steps include reinforcing Nigeria’s methane regulations, expanding monitoring and enforcement capabilities, and mobilizing global financial and technical support to ensure methane mitigation translates into tangible climate and sustainable development gains.
This urgent call to action by Nigeria LNG reminds us that tackling methane emissions is a pivotal frontier in the global fight against climate change and a pathway toward environmental sustainability.
