Efforts by the Nigerian government and oil and gas companies to address methane leaks have significantly contributed to reducing climate-warming emissions, according to a statement by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The announcement, made during the ongoing COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, revealed that actions taken to plug methane leaks in Nigeria are equivalent to removing 400,000 cars from the nation’s roads for a year.
The success comes from deploying the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), a high-tech mechanism that identifies major methane leaks and notifies governments and companies for prompt action.
Over the past two years, MARS has issued 1,200 alerts globally, though only 1% have received responses, UNEP data shows.
In Nigeria, a six-month methane leak emitting levels comparable to 400,000 vehicles’ annual emissions was resolved in just two weeks by replacing faulty equipment.
Similarly, in Algeria, years-long leaks were addressed, resulting in avoided emissions equal to removing 500,000 cars annually.
“Methane is the second largest driver of anthropogenic global warming and is over 80 times more potent than CO2 in the short term.
“Rapid reductions are critical to limit global warming to 1.5°C,” UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said.
She highlighted that most leaks can be addressed with simple fixes, such as tightening bolts, but called on governments and companies to act with urgency.
“The tools are ready, the targets are set – now it is time to act,” Andersen said, stressing that the stakes for global warming remain high.
Director General of Nigeria’s Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, emphasized the dual benefits of addressing methane emissions for climate responsibility and local development.
“Nigeria is proud to partner with UNEP’s IMEO and the European Commission to measure emissions across sectors and enable methane action in Nigeria,” Maduekwe said.
She reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the Global Methane Pledge, under which the country aims to significantly cut methane emissions while improving public health and fostering sustainable development.
UNEP reiterated that global methane emissions must be reduced by 40-45% by 2030 to meet cost-effective pathways for limiting global warming.
Methane leaks in the oil and gas industry represent a major opportunity for impactful emissions reduction, with UNEP advocating for greater responsiveness to alerts from MARS.
