Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — TotalEnergies Nigeria has reiterated its pledge to achieve carbon-neutral operations by delivering more energy with fewer emissions. This commitment was highlighted by Matthieu Bouyer, Country Chair of TotalEnergies companies in Nigeria, during a panel session on Business-to-Government Partnerships at the French Week Business Forum 2025.
The summit in Lagos, was part of activities marking the 2025 French Week.
Bouyer emphasized the company’s sustainability focus, stating: “Less emissions always mean more sustainability. Every project we undertake is designed with environmental impact in mind.”
He outlined three key areas driving TotalEnergies’ emission-reduction strategy: Flaring, Renewables, Methane Reduction.
He stated: “We ended routine flaring in Nigeria as far back as 2023, becoming the first company to do so. This required significant investment, and the recovered gas is now supplied to the domestic market through Nigeria LNG.
“We are currently constructing an onshore solar farm to expand our renewable energy footprint.
“Methane emissions remain a challenge for oil and gas producers. To address this, we deploy AUSEA technology across all our global assets to detect and fix methane leaks. We also share this technology with partners like NNPC and NLNG.”
Bouyer reaffirmed TotalEnergies’ long-standing presence in Nigeria, noting its role in strengthening Nigeria-France relations:
“We have been a reliable partner for over 60 years. Unlike reports of IOCs exiting, we are here to stay. Our strategy in Nigeria is anchored on two pillars: gas and oil.”
He elaborated on the company’s gas development plans: “We aim to develop gas across the entire value chain—from production to transportation, export, and domestic supply. Our flagship project for this is Ubeta.”
On oil, Bouyer added: “We have reshuffled our portfolio and acquired new blocks for exploration. Our commitment to the government is to commence drilling as soon as possible.”
Beyond energy, Bouyer highlighted TotalEnergies’ investment in education, particularly postgraduate programmes at the Institute of Petroleum and Energy Studies, IPES, University of Port Harcourt, which benefits the wider industry. He also referenced recent community development projects executed under the Host Communities Development Trust, HCDT, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
His remarks were supported by Dr. Babs Omotowa, Non-Executive Director at NNPC, who praised TotalEnergies’ continued investment in Nigeria, citing projects like Ubeta as examples of sustained commitment.
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, called for stronger France-Nigeria collaboration to bridge the state’s 12,000MW energy deficit, urging increased deployment of renewable energy solutions.
TotalEnergies joined other French companies in Nigeria to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Franco-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, FNCCI, marking four decades of strong bilateral relations between France and Nigeria.
The celebration began with a cocktail event at Hard Rock Café, Victoria Island, Lagos, and concluded with a grand anniversary dinner at Lagos Continental Hotel.
Representing TotalEnergies at the events were Matthieu Bouyer and his wife; Olivier Cassassoles, Deputy Managing Director, JV Assets; Abiodun Afolabi, Executive Director, Strategy, Business & Asset Management; Philippe Daniel, Executive Director, Technical Services; Emmanuel Morand-Fer, Executive Director, TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc., accompanied by his wife; Adesua Adewole, General Manager, Country Services; Florence Ilaka, General Manager, LNG Assets; Charles Ebereonwu, Deputy General Manager, External Communication and Nicolas-HD Moreau, DGM, HR Policies & Intl. Mobility among others.
The week-long celebration provided a platform for networking, recognition, and collaboration among French and Nigerian businesses.
TotalEnergies is a proud co-sponsor of the annual French Week and an active member of FNCCI.
