A national energy company in an emerging economy can measure, report and verify its methane emissions to international standards.
That was NNPC Limited’s message delivered by Chinedu Igwe, Managing Director, NNPC Foundation Ltd/Gte, to international energy producers, financiers and climate institutions at the ongoing 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, Türkiye.
During a session convened by the Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter (OGDC) on “Accelerating Global Methane Mitigation in Emerging Economies”, held at the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) in the Blue Zone, Igwe joined other panellists from Petrobras and PETRONAS to present NNPC Limited’s progress report on the emission mitigation agenda.
He explained that through credible data and culture change across its operations, the Company had moved its methane reporting from Level 1 to Level 3 of the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP 2.0) standard.
The progress, Igwe added, has made NNPC Limited a reference point for partners and operators across Africa, a pointer to the fact that a quality system for measuring, reporting and reducing emissions can be put in place within the region.
“Reporting gives us a clear story to tell management and a practical tool for engaging our operators. Our report is on the MiST platform developed by Carbon Limits for independent feedback, and we have carried out leak detection and repair (LDAR) on one of our assets, which is now close to Level 4. This allows us to track our carbon footprint from where we were to where we are and where we are headed,” he noted.
Panellists in the session agreed that it is possible to reduce methane emissions to near zero while delivering energy security, sustainability and affordability, without forcing countries to choose between energy sources in ways that harm their economies.
On the sidelines of the conference, NNPC Limited, led by the Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, Hauwa Mshelia, held an exploratory meeting on project financing and development with representatives of the Inclusive Climate Action Fund (ICAF) and ANTAN Producing Limited. Managing Director of NNPC New Energy Limited (NNEL), Haruna Abdurrahman, was also at the meeting.
The OGDC also launched its 2026 status report on emissions mitigation at COP31. The report reviews member companies’ interim ambitions, action plans on methane and flaring, and the progress they are making on measurement and delivery.
NNPC Limited’s contribution to the report shows that within 12 to 18 months, the Company built the capacity to measure its carbon footprint through a credible reporting and verification system.
NNPC Limited joined the Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) at COP28 in Dubai, UAE. The Charter was conceived by the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) so that oil and gas companies can collaborate and share knowledge and technical expertise on emission reductions through credible reporting.
At the Nigerian Pavilion, NNPC Limited headlined a high-level panel session on “Decarbonising Africa’s Value Chain: The Role of National Energy Companies, Finance and Strategic Partnerships”. Philemon Yilleng, Manager, Sustainability Strategy, Standards and Policy, NNPC Limited, presented natural gas as the Company’s mechanism for the energy transition and explained that the company gives full priority to gas development while strengthening its operations to reduce emissions.
He said the Company is investing in parallel, rather than sequentially, by expanding gas production and utilisation, investing in renewables and working with regulators, joint venture partners and financiers to integrate sustainability into its operations.
Stephanie Saunier, Managing Director of Carbon Limits, who was also on the panel, commended NNPC Limited’s emissions measurement, reporting and verification system for the credible data it gives investors.
NNPC Limited also took part in the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Leaders Roundtable on “Delivering Methane Emissions Reduction Across Waste and Energy”.
At the roundtable, Ikechukwu Aturuobi, Manager, Sustainability Partnerships, NNPC Limited, joined other leaders to discuss practical ways of reducing methane emissions in the waste and energy sectors.
NNPC Limited’s sustainability agenda is guided by its theme, “Action Not Words”. The Company’s pathway to net zero is anchored on its verified emissions baseline.
By 2030, NNPC Limited aims to eliminate routine gas flaring and reduce methane emissions. By 2050, it plans to adopt low-carbon technologies, electrify its operations, use renewable energy and deploy carbon capture and storage.