Article

The global oil and gas industry is facing increasing scrutiny regarding its long-term strategies in light of the transition to cleaner energy sources. This shift is compounded by a slowdown in investments, driven by heightened demands from governments, financial institutions, and shareholders for robust climate action and decarbonisation initiatives.

In Nigeria, there is a compelling argument for the introduction of a climate compatibility checkpoint within the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). This proposed measure would serve as a regulatory gatekeeper, ensuring that future licenses for exploration, drilling, or production are only granted if aligned with national climate objectives. This initiative draws inspiration from successful frameworks implemented in countries like the UK, which assess the compatibility of new oil and gas projects with emissions targets.

For oil and gas operators in Nigeria, this means demonstrating a comprehensive strategy for emissions reduction across their entire value chains, beyond mere operational efficiency. Companies would be required to show commitments to cleaner technologies, electrification, methane leak reductions, and support for carbon capture efforts.

A significant opportunity arises from the promotion of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels in transportation and small-scale industries. Enhancing CNG infrastructure could lower operational costs and significantly reduce carbon emissions while improving urban air quality. Integrating CNG usage into the climate checkpoint criteria could incentivize oil and gas companies to diversify and invest in cleaner energy solutions.

As Nigeria aims for a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to achieve net-zero by 2060, establishing climate compatibility as a fundamental standard for the oil and gas sector is essential. The adoption of CNG represents a pragmatic step toward realizing these ambitious climate goals.