Stakeholders Call for ECOWAS and Africa-Wide Emission Regulations
Nigerian energy stakeholders are advocating for a regional and continental approach to emissions reduction regulations, urging the Federal Government to align its strategies with those of ECOWAS and the African continent. The call was made during the 2024 World LNG Summit and Awards in Berlin, Germany, where experts underscored the importance of collective action to address climate challenges.
Abdulmalik Halilu, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), emphasized the need for an integrated perspective on carbon emissions reduction. “Net-zero goals should not be seen as isolated national targets. Nigeria must consider emissions regulations from both ECOWAS and African perspectives, recognizing our interdependence,” Halilu said.
Halilu argued for regulations that operate at regional or continental levels, tailored to each nation’s unique circumstances while aligning with broader objectives. He also highlighted the summit’s discussions on decarbonization, LNG infrastructure, and the role of renewables as pivotal in reducing carbon footprints.
“Financial institutions play a critical role in ensuring that energy projects adhere to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards,” Halilu noted, adding that such requirements are not meant to restrict funding but to promote responsible and inclusive development.
Reflecting on the environmental impact of hydrocarbon development, Halilu cited the Ogoni cleanup as a cautionary tale, urging Nigeria’s energy sector to adopt sustainable practices and invest in decarbonization technologies.
“Nigeria must prioritize low-carbon intensity solutions as it expands LNG projects. This requires innovation, sustainable technologies, and local capacity development to manage these advancements,” he explained.
Olajide Bamidele, Director of Weight and Measures at the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment, echoed Halilu’s sentiments, highlighting the critical role of LNG in Nigeria’s energy landscape while stressing the need to balance its growth with renewable energy development.
“Addressing challenges in LNG development and exploring alternative energy solutions will ensure long-term sustainability,” Bamidele said, emphasizing the importance of learning from global best practices.
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Both stakeholders underscored the importance of adapting successful international policies to Nigeria’s context. They emphasized collaboration, innovation, and responsible development as key to achieving the country’s 2060 net-zero target.
With significant investments anticipated in LNG and upstream gas projects, the focus on decarbonization and environmental responsibility remains central to Nigeria’s energy strategy.
The five-day World LNG Summit and Awards, organized by DMG Events Ltd., attracted 750 attendees and featured 200 speakers from 500 companies across the energy value chain, providing a platform for global dialogue on emissions reduction and energy transition strategies.
