By Angela Atabo
The Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) has handed over a technology-driven platform to Nigeria’s petroleum regulator, enabling it to detect methane leaks, establish emission hotspots and strengthen enforcement.
The Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Emission Tracker (NOGIET) combines satellite tv for pc surveillance, facility data and verified emission knowledge to enhance regulatory oversight throughout Nigeria’s oil and fuel trade.
SDN Board Chairman, Mr Inemo Samiama, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja throughout the formal presentation and handover of the platform to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
He stated the expertise would allow regulators to match satellite-detected methane plumes with measurements equipped by facility operators, exposing discrepancies and tracing emissions to particular amenities and pipeline routes.
Samiama stated the platform would assist regulators establish emission hotspots, prioritise inspections and suggest corrective measures based mostly on dependable proof.
He defined that the initiative, supported by the Global Methane Hub, was developed to strengthen methane monitoring throughout Nigeria’s upstream, midstream and downstream petroleum operations.
“As gas plays a growing role in Nigeria’s energy future, methane leaks from gas processing plants, pipelines, compressor stations, storage depots and distribution networks matter more than ever.
“The authority sits at the heart of that challenge, and regulators cannot enforce what they cannot see,” he stated.
He stated NOGIET would give the NMDPRA and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) improved visibility over methane emissions throughout the petroleum trade.
Samiama disclosed that SDN developed and transferred the platform’s front-end and back-end parts to the authority for gratis.
He stated its improvement adopted a wants evaluation performed in 2025, capacity-building coaching in April 2026 and subsequent technical engagements with the regulator.
According to him, the platform could be collectively managed by the NMDPRA and NUPRC, with provisions for increasing its capabilities to observe different greenhouse gases.
He urged the authorities to include NOGIET into routine inspections, monitoring and enforcement actions, whereas sustaining common knowledge updates and sturdy safety.
SDN Country Director, Mrs Florence Ibok-Abasi, stated the initiative would strengthen evidence-based regulation and help Federal Government efforts to scale back environmental and public well being dangers.
She harassed that dependable emissions knowledge was important for establishing air pollution sources, figuring out their scale and enabling regulators to take acceptable corrective motion.
Ibok-Abasi stated the platform would additionally assist defend oil-producing communities, significantly within the Niger Delta, from air pollution and deteriorating air high quality.
Receiving the platform, NMDPRA Authority Chief Executive, Mr Rabiu Umar, described the initiative as an necessary improvement in evidence-based regulation and operational effectivity.
Umar, represented by the Executive Director, Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Mr Mustapha Lamorde, stated NOGIET would advance the authority’s methane discount targets.
He stated the initiative additionally aligned with its inside transformation agenda, Project Nexus, whereas supporting environmental safety and improved operational effectivity.
Umar stated decreasing methane emissions was important to stopping fuel wastage, conserving worthwhile sources and minimising environmental harm.
He disclosed that Nigeria had set a goal of decreasing methane emissions by 60 per cent by 2035.
He added that tips on greenhouse fuel and methane discount had been gazetted and had been present process operationalisation.
He famous that NOGIET would assist the authority observe emission developments, establish precedence inspection areas and develop corrective measures to make sure regulatory compliance.
He counseled SDN for adopting an built-in strategy protecting the midstream and downstream sectors, that are vital to processing and including worth to Nigeria’s hydrocarbon sources.
Umar urged different trade stakeholders to help methane discount initiatives and promote safer, extra environment friendly petroleum operations.
The platform is anticipated to be deployed on the NMDPRA’s digital infrastructure, whereas SDN will proceed offering technical help to make sure safe and dependable entry. (NAN)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
