In a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s environmental sustainability efforts, the NNPC Ltd and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) Joint Venture (JV) has successfully reduced routine flaring of associated gas (AG) by 96% from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields.
This milestone, which supports Nigeria’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of the Paris Agreement, was achieved through an AG reinjection strategy at the Madu field, offshore Bayelsa State.
In a statement on Thursday, Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC, said the initiative involves storing gas that would have otherwise been flared in a designated underground storage reservoir, significantly reducing environmental impact.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has commended the JV’s achievement, highlighting its alignment with national environmental regulations and global best practices.
Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, lauded the initiative, stating:
“This achievement underscores our commitment to leveraging resources responsibly and optimising production to meet energy needs and sustainability goals. It reflects our commitment to aligning our operations with global standards and environmental best practices.”
Similarly, Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, MD/CEO of First E&P, emphasized the company’s dedication to environmental responsibility:
“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production. By substantially reducing our carbon footprint, we are contributing to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve.”
Building on this success, the NNPC-First E&P Joint Venture aims to commercialize the stored gas and other stranded gas resources in the Niger Delta, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions and environmental stewardship.
