Precious Anga
Lagos — Nigeria lost an estimated $1.5 billion in economic value after flaring 5.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas in 2024, making the country the seventh-largest gas flaring nation globally, according to German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther.
Speaking at the 25th Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja, Günther said the persistent flaring of associated gas continues to undermine Nigeria’s economic and energy potential, despite the country’s vast natural gas resources.
She disclosed that Germany has launched a new programme to help Nigeria commercialise flare gas by converting it into cleaner energy for households, industries and future hydrogen production, following the signing of the 2025 Joint Declaration of Intent on Bilateral Energy Transition Dialogue and Cooperation between both countries.
“About 5.3 billion cubic metres of gas was flared in Nigeria in 2024, ranking the country seventh globally. That represents an economic loss of approximately $1.5 billion,” Günther said.
According to her, the initiative aims to capture gas currently wasted through flaring and redirect it into productive uses, reducing greenhouse gas emissions while expanding domestic energy supply and creating new economic opportunities.
The ambassador explained that Germany and Nigeria have maintained a strategic energy partnership since 2008, which has evolved through several initiatives, including the establishment of the German-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce’s energy desk in 2012 and the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP) in 2013.
She noted that the NESP, implemented by GIZ, is now in its sixth phase, while the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office (H2 Diplomacy Office), established in 2021, continues to promote low-carbon hydrogen development and clean energy cooperation.
Günther said the bilateral agreement signed in 2025 is designed to support Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan, with collaboration focused on expanding low-carbon energy, strengthening skills development, mobilising private sector investment and commercialising flare gas.
She added that both countries remain committed to achieving net-zero emissions, with Germany targeting carbon neutrality by 2045 and Nigeria by 2060.
The ambassador observed that recent geopolitical events, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Middle East, have reinforced the need for countries to diversify energy sources and strengthen energy security.
She disclosed that Germany is working with GIZ, Siemens Energy and the European Union to support technical capacity development and private sector participation in Nigeria’s energy industry.
According to Günther, the newly commissioned flare gas commercialisation programme will assess technical, regulatory and financing frameworks needed to capture gas currently flared at oil fields and channel it into domestic power generation, industrial applications and hydrogen production.
She said the project is expected to reduce emissions, improve electricity supply, stimulate industrial development and unlock new revenue streams from resources that are currently wasted.
