Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Director General and Chief Executive of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, NOSDRA, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, has underscored the importance of reducing gas flaring in Nigeria.
Speaking at the third National Extractive Dialogue 2024, NED2024, held in Abuja, with the critical theme “Gas Flare Reduction: Catalyst for Accelerating Nigeria’s path to Net-Zero Emissions and Sustainable development”, Woke stated that the persistent practice of gas flaring has marred the breath-taking landscape of Nigeria’s abundant natural resources. He said it serves as a symbol of the missed prospects for harnessing energy, fostering economic growth and preserving the environment.
According to him, the well-documented environmental and health ramifications of gas flaring have far-reaching effects, deteriorating air quality and public health while also aggravating the global climate crisis.
However, he noted that amidst the seemingly insurmountable challenge lies a remarkable opportunity for ground-breaking innovation, meaningful collaboration and tangible progress.
He stated: “At this critical juncture in history, our nation must take decisive action. The decisions we make and the actions we take in forums like this will unequivocally shape the future of our environment, our economy, and the health and well-being of our people and our communities. Today, we are not simply discussing an environmental issue; we are confronting a fundamental challenge that profoundly impacts our national development and our global commitments.”
Aligning with global climate change mitigation efforts and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration’s commitment to end gas flaring, reduce methane emissions and enhance environmental sustainability in the country, Woke underscored the transformative potential of curbing gas flaring, positioning it as not just an environmental necessity but a catalyst for broader sustainable development and a key driver towards Nigeria’s net-zero emissions goal.
“By tackling this issue head-on, we can unlock new pathways for energy efficiency, economic diversification, and community resilience which would in turn boost economic growth and job creation in line with Mr. President’s 8-point Agenda,” he said.
As the Director General of NOSDRA, Woke emphasised the intricate link between environmental protection and sustainable development, and the agency’s dedication to ensuring that the exploitation of natural resources does not come at the expense of the environment.
“The reduction of gas flaring is integral to this mission, aligning with our broader mandate to safeguard the environment from the adverse effects of oil and gas activities,” he added
He called for collective efforts and shared commitment to develop effective strategies and innovative solutions to significantly reduce gas flaring in Nigeria.
He said: “Today’s dialogue brings together a diverse array of stakeholders-government officials, industry leaders, environmental advocates, and community representatives. Each of you brings valuable perspectives and expertise to this discussion. It is through our collective efforts and shared commitment that we can develop effective strategies and innovative solutions to significantly reduce gas flaring in Nigeria.
“I encourage us all to engage openly and constructively, to challenge assumptions, and to explore new ideas. Let us focus on actionable outcomes that can drive real change and progress. Our goal is not just to discuss but to act, to implement, and to transform.”
Woke expressed gratitude to the event co-organiser, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and the funders of the event, the Ford Foundation through Space4Change, as well as the speakers and participants. He urged all participants to work together towards reducing gas flaring and creating a sustainable and prosperous future for Nigeria.
