- By Elizabeth Nwafor, Yenagoa.
In a significant step towards mitigating climate change, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri Ph.D. recently received Mr. Robert Lehman, the U.S. State Department’s Global Methane Program Manager, and a delegation from Deloitte.
Lokpobiri who spoke in Abuja, the nation’s capital said the visit aimed to deepen collaboration on methane abatement initiatives, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to sustainable practices in the energy sector.
According to him, partnership marks a crucial milestone in reducing emissions and promoting environmental safety in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
“As part of this commitment, the Federal Government, through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has launched a pioneering methane abatement pilot project in the Niger Delta.
“In collaboration with U.S. organizations, including Deloitte and the Bureau of Energy Resources, the project seeks to reduce methane leaks and scale sustainable practices across operations, he added”.
The Minister further noted that the initiative is particularly significant, given the devastating impact of methane emissions on the environment and public health.
Lokpobiri stated that the Global Methane Pledge, launched at COP26 in 2021, aims to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030.
He said: “Nigeria’s partnership with the US demonstrates its dedication to meeting this goal and promoting a cleaner, greener energy sector.
“As the country moves forward with this project, it is expected to have a positive impact on the environment, public health, and the economy.
“By reducing methane emissions, Nigeria can mitigate the effects of climate change, improve air quality, and create new opportunities for sustainable growth and development,”
