CJID: Energy transition to achieve net zero by 2026
Mr Akintunde Babatunde, Director of Program at Centre For Journalism Innovation & Development (CJID), says energy transition plan aims to achieve net zero by 2026, focusing on reducing emissions across five critical sectors and leveraging gas as a transition fuel.
Babatunde disclose this during the Multi Stakeholder Dialogue on Methane Emissions Reduction and Energy Transition, which was organized by The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) in Abuja.
Speaking on “Strengthening Methane Emission Reduction Strategies in Nigeria’s Gas Expansion Plans”, Babatunde added that the 2050 Long-Term Vision sets a bold ambition to reduce emissions by 50% and move toward net-zero emissions across all sectors in a gender-responsive manner.
He emphasized that methane emission which is 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a twenty-year period, must be rigorously managed through regulatory reforms and energy-efficient technologies.
“We expand our gas utilization for power generation, clean cooking, transport, and industrialization, we must be mindful of the associated risks. Increased gas extraction and processing pose significant environmental and social challenges, especially for communities living near petroleum assets.
In his words: We are here to foster deeper understanding, consensus-building, and actionable strategies among government, civil society, industry, and international partners. Our goal is to significantly reduce methane emissions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, right-size our gas ambitions, and ensure a just and inclusive energy transition.
Responding, The Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, (NEITI), Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, said that mitigating methane emissions requires the active participation of all stakeholders, including the government, federal and sub-national, national and international oil companies, and civil society organizations.
He emphasized that government must ensure robust frameworks and policies that hold oil and gas companies accountable, while civil society organizations must continue to monitor and advocate for environmental sustainability.
Dr. Orji added that effective mitigation measures are not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial for all stakeholders.
“Reducing emissions enables oil and gas companies to improve operational efficiency, minimize revenue losses from gas flaring, and enhance their competitiveness in the global market,” he stressed.
“This will directly increased government revenue and a more attractive investment climate for Nigeria, contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and international climate commitments.
He noted that Nigerian communities will also benefit from cleaner air and improved health outcomes.
Executive Secretary urge all stakeholders to leverage data from this report and other tools we provide to track industry commitments and progress, identify gaps, highlight best practices, and pressure lagging companies to improve their performance.
