President Bola Tinubu has stated that Nigeria is part of the US methane abatement agreement, with a commitment to reduce methane emissions by 30 per cent in 2030.
He disclosed this on Saturday during an interactive session with stakeholders at the ongoing 28th edition of Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in United Arab Emirates, Dubai.
Methane (CH4) is a hydrocarbon and a primary component of natural gas. It is also a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) that affects the earth’s temperature and climate system.
It is emitted in the atmosphere from a variety of anthropogenic (human-influenced) and natural sources.
At a forum on methane and other non-CO2 emissions reduction, Tinubu stated that Nigeria is a signatory to the COP28 global decarbonisation accelerator and having signed off as a member of the UN global compact, is working to achieve the aim of the summit.
The President informed that Nigeria has taken critical steps to reduce methane emissions by eliminating gas flare and focusing on gas as a replacement cooking fuel for biomass.
He welcomed the effectiveness of the COP28 President that gives hope to sustain livelihood.
“The earth has been injured not by us, but by the big economies, and I am happy they are here.
“The pledges by the big economies are good and we are with you even though we are the least beneficiary of the financial commitment of the big economies.
“Listening to you here makes us happy. We are committed by ensuring gas flare is eliminated. There is huge penalty for that and there is also a huge incentive for doing so,” he said.
Tinubu assured that Nigeria would continue to be a partner in progress to achieve renewable energy projects.
This, he said falls within the context of a differentiated energy transition that would guarantee Nigerians access to power within a specific and short timeframe.
“We are providing cooking gas for our large population and we will leverage more on technologies. We hope the big economies and the United Arab Emirates will help.
“Africa understands that technical know-how is necessary and that the earth needs healing and it is crying very seriously,” Tinubu added.
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