FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTION (FAQ) ON NEITI GREEN HOUSE GAS REPORT 2022 & 2023 AND ON METHANE EMISSION.

FAQ on NEITI methane Report.pdf

FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTION (FAQ) ON NEITI METHANE REPORT

• What is the NEITI Methane Report?This NEITI document, which was presented to the oil and gas firms, focuses on methane emissions in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry in accordance with the EITI standard 2023.
• Why was the report published? As a requirement for EITI standardand to highlight methane’s and other gas role as a potent greenhouse gas for public knowledge and engagement. Nigeria’s oil and gas sector are a major source due to flaring, venting, and leaks
• What is methane and why is it important?Methane (CH₄) is a greenhouse gas that has nearly 80 times the short-term warming potential of CO₂. It has detrimental effects on our environment, health, and other industries, including agriculture.
• How many companies reported emissions data? Only 15 out of 62 oil and gas companies (about 24%) disclosed emissions data. Major players like Aiteo, Seplat, Oando, and Eni did not report.
• How much methane does Nigeria emit annually? Nigeria emitted about 193.6 million tons in 2024, down from 208.2 million tons in 2023.
• What other gases apart from methane were mentioned in the report:CO₂-Carbon dioxide, CH₄-Methane, CO-Carbon monoxide, N₂O-Nitrous oxide, NO-Nitric oxide, SO₂-Sulfur dioxide. Halons, Halogenated hydrocarbons (bromine/chlorine compounds)
• What policies exist to regulate methane in Nigeria? Nigeria has climate change policies, gas flaring reduction initiatives, NDC 3.0 commitments and is part of the Global Methane Pledge. The 2023 Gas Flaring, Venting, and Methane Emissions Regulations, plus NUPRC guidelines on fugitive emissions management, reporting, leak detection and repair (LDAR), and annual compliance reports
• What role does NEITI play in methane regulation? NEITI provides transparency, data, and accountability in extractive industries to guide policy decisions and engagement with the different stakeholders.
• Has Nigeria committed internationally to methane reduction? Yes, Nigeria signed the Global Methane Pledge to cut emissions by 30% by 2030 and a signatory to Paris Agreement and other climate commitments, Methane reduction is essential for NDCs (20–47% GHG cut by 2030) and Net Zero 2060
• What are the environmental impacts of methane emissions:Methane worsens climate change impact, worsens air quality, contributes to extreme weather, affects our health and attacks other sectors like Agriculture and marine life 
• What are the economic impacts of methane emissions? Lost revenue from wasted gas, health costs, air pollution, Productivity cost due to illness, and reduced agricultural productivity, Capturing and utilizing the gas could fund infrastructure, health, education, and climate resilience in host communities and the opportunity cost.
• How does methane affect public health:Methane is a component of ground-level ozone, which contaminates food and water and causes respiratory ailments, heart disease, lung function, dehydration, cardiovascular stress, neurological problems, and birth defects.
• What solutions does the report recommend? Leak detection, improved monitoring, stricter regulation, and investment in methane capture technologies.
• What role can technology play? Satellite monitoring, drones, and advanced sensors can detect leaks faster and more accurately.
• Can methane be captured and reused? Yes, captured methane can be processed into natural gas for power generation and industry.
• Which agencies are responsible for methane regulation? Federal Ministry of Environment, Department of Petroleum Resources, NCCC and NEITI.
• What role do oil companies play? They must adopt best practices, invest in leak detection, and comply with regulations and release timely and accurate data
• How can communities be involved? Through advocacy, monitoring, and demanding accountability from operators.
• What were the key findings on compliance? Low compliance (over 79% non-reporting), lack of asset-level data, missing emission intensity metrics, methodological gaps, and limited credible decarbonization plans were highlighted. This raises risks of greenwashing and undermines; transparency.
• What is Nigeria’s methane reduction target? 30% reduction by 2030 under the Global Methane Pledge.
• What challenges exist in achieving this target? Weak enforcement, funding gaps, and limited technical capacity.
• What opportunities does methane reduction present? Cleaner environment, new jobs in green technology, and improved energy security.
• What actions will NEITI take going forward? Publish annual Methane Emissions Scorecards, integrate monitoring into audits (including solid minerals), push for penalties/incentives, engage the judiciary, and enforce full disclosures.
• How can the public and stakeholders use this report? To hold companies and regulators accountable, inform policy, support advocacy, track progress on scorecards, and influence investment and divestment decisions.
• What role do regulators like NUPRC? NEITI, Ministry of Environment and NCCC play? Enforce regulations, mandate detailed reporting (including state/license basis), ensure public access to data, and collaborate with NEITI on transparency.