Nigeria has taken a major step toward balancing economic growth with climate responsibility following the inauguration of the Joint Decarbonisation Working Group for the Oil and Gas Sector. The Federal Government unveiled the initiative in Abuja, describing it as a strategic move to reduce emissions, attract climate-focused investments, and strengthen the country’s position in the evolving global energy market. Officials also highlighted the issuance of Nigeria’s first sovereign carbon credit project as evidence that the nation’s carbon market framework is beginning to deliver tangible results.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, reaffirmed that Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves will remain central to its energy transition agenda. According to him, natural gas is the country’s preferred transition fuel and a key driver of industrialisation, job creation, cleaner energy access, and economic development. He stressed that while Nigeria remains committed to tackling climate change, it will continue to utilise its natural resources to improve the lives of its citizens and strengthen national prosperity.
Ekpo noted that decarbonisation is no longer solely an environmental concern but has become a critical economic and investment priority. He said countries that fail to embrace cleaner energy practices risk losing competitiveness in the global energy market. The newly inaugurated working group is expected to coordinate government agencies, regulators, industry operators, financial institutions, and development partners in implementing practical measures to cut emissions, improve monitoring systems, promote methane reduction technologies, and unlock access to climate finance and carbon markets.
Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Tenioye Majekodunmi, described the initiative as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a low-carbon economy. She emphasized that the country’s energy transition is not about choosing between economic growth and environmental sustainability, but about ensuring both goals move forward together. According to her, Nigeria’s oil and gas sector must adapt to changing global standards by reducing the carbon intensity of operations while remaining attractive to investors and maintaining its role as a major energy producer.
Industry stakeholders and lawmakers have welcomed the move, noting that investments in natural gas, carbon capture technologies, energy efficiency, and digital innovation will be vital for the sector’s future competitiveness. With Nigeria targeting net-zero emissions by 2060, the new working group is expected to play a key role in delivering measurable climate outcomes, creating new employment opportunities, and positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s energy transition. Observers believe the initiative could help secure a cleaner, more resilient, and investment-friendly future for Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
source: Leadership
