BY SAM OTUONYE
In a significant stride towards supporting Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally, as stipulated in the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, the NNPC Ltd and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) Joint Venture (JV) have successfully achieved 96% reduction in routine flaring of associated gas (AG) from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields.
This milestone was made possible through an advanced gas reinjection strategy, directing associated gas (AG) into a designated underground storage reservoir at the Madu field in OML 85, offshore Bayelsa State.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by Olufemi O. Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, on Thursday. He explained that instead of being flared, the gas is now stored safely, significantly reducing environmental impact, the NNPC states.
The statement said the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aim to reduce emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% with international support.
It also complies with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) regulations on flaring reduction and environmental sustainability.
NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, highlighted the significance of the achievement, “This milestone underscores our commitment to leveraging resources responsibly while optimising production to meet energy demands and sustainability goals.”
Similarly, First E&P’s Managing Director, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, stressed the company’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.
“By significantly cutting emissions, we are advancing a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve.”
Beyond the environmental benefits, the NNPC-First E&P Joint Venture (JV) aims to commercialise the stored gas and other stranded resources in the Niger Delta.
The company said this effort is part of a broader strategy to promote cleaner energy solutions while reinforcing Nigeria’s position in the global shift towards sustainable resource management.