In a drive towards reducing carbon emissions and achieving net-zero by 2050, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. has advocated for increased cooperation and openness among global energy stakeholders.
This call was made by NNPC’s Group CEO, Mele Kyari, during a Strategic Panel Session titled “Decarbonising Operations across Upstream, Midstream and Downstream” at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference (ADIPEC 2024).
Speaking on behalf of Kyari, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NNPC Ltd.’s Executive Director of Upstream, emphasized the need for bridging gaps rather than placing blame. “Beyond collaboration, transparency and openness are also important—not by vilifying those lagging behind, but by ensuring that the gaps between all parties are bridged,” Kyari stated.
Kyari highlighted Africa’s dual challenges of decarbonisation and energy poverty, explaining that Nigeria has taken significant policy steps to address these issues. “One is declaring the decade of gas as transition fuel from a predominantly diesel and fuel economy to a gas-driven economy, while the second is the removal of fuel subsidy,” Kyari said, adding that these policies guide NNPC’s decarbonisation agenda.
As a signatory to the Oil & Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC), Kyari stressed Nigeria’s commitment to ending gas flaring by 2030, utilizing gas for automotive and power generation needs. With an estimated 209 trillion cubic feet (tcf) in gas reserves, Kyari noted that funding challenges persist due to reliance on International Oil Companies (IOCs) primarily focused on export gas.
Kyari further remarked, “It is important to know that if we must solve this existential problem, then there should be a provision for the global south (less energy endowed countries) to access capital to enable them address their problems.”
The NNPC CEO cited NNPC’s partnership with TotalEnergies, which utilizes advanced methane measurement and detection technology, as an example of “phenomenal” collaboration in this quest.
This year’s ADIPEC event, themed “Connecting Minds. Transforming Energy,” has drawn over 180,000 participants, solidifying its reputation as the world’s largest gathering of energy professionals. The 40th edition of this annual event underscores the shared goal of accelerating energy innovation and transformation worldwide.
