In a major environmental milestone for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, the joint venture by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) has successfully achieved a 96% reduction in routine flaring of associated gas (AG) from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields.
This achievement, which was announced on Thursday in a press statement issued by the NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally, as outlined in the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The reduction was made possible through the implementation of an AG reinjection strategy at the Madu field in OML 85, offshore Bayelsa State. Instead of flaring, the gas is now stored in a designated underground reservoir, significantly mitigating environmental impact.
The initiative also underscores compliance with the regulatory framework of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which has been pushing for stricter enforcement of gas flaring reduction policies.
Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mele Kyari, stated, “This achievement underscores our commitment to leveraging resources responsibly and optimising production to meet energy needs and sustainability goals. It reflects our commitment to aligning our operations with global standards and environmental best practices.”
Similarly, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, MD/CEO of First E&P, highlighted the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating: “This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production. By substantially reducing our carbon footprint, we are contributing to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve.”
While this achievement represents a significant step towards Nigeria’s 2025 gas flaring reduction target, the JV is now shifting focus towards commercialising the stored gas and other stranded gas resources within the Niger Delta.
The JV’s efforts reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner energy practices while ensuring resource optimisation in the oil and gas sector.
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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