Nigeria’s Commitment to Reducing Global Methane Emissions
The recently concluded 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) has elicited varied responses, particularly with the International Energy Agency (IEA) urging for more significant commitments in the fight against climate change. However, amidst the contention, Nigeria has emerged as a leader in the battle against global warming.
In collaboration with countries such as Canada, Micronesia, Germany, and Japan, Nigeria has pledged to enact domestic measures aimed at reducing methane emissions within its borders. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas responsible for approximately 30 per cent of current global warming, presents a significant threat to the environment, human health, food security, and energy.
While Nigeria has taken commendable steps in the energy sector, particularly in the issuance of new Methane Guidelines by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, it is evident that more comprehensive measures are necessary, particularly in the agricultural sector, which contributes a significant percentage of methane emissions. With agriculture accounting for approximately 41% of these emissions, it is imperative for Nigeria to expand its methane mitigation efforts in this sector to meet the Paris Agreement target by 2030.
One opportunity for Nigeria lies in leveraging solutions already being explored internationally. For instance, the country can learn from the United Kingdom’s proactive trial on reducing methane emissions through methane-reducing feed additives for cows, as well as public awareness campaigns promoting vegetarian diets to reduce reliance on animal meat. Additionally, Nigeria could implement policies that incentivise selective breeding programmes aimed at developing livestock with lower methane emissions, fostering healthier pastures through rotational grazing, and integrating these initiatives into agricultural education curricula to ensure sustainable livestock management practices.
The implementation of these measures will not only contribute to reducing methane emissions but also has the potential to address other socio-economic issues such as the herder-farmer crisis, by promoting healthier pastures and enhancing the economic standing of herders.
It is important to note that the true test lies in the effective implementation of these measures. Nigeria’s commitment to reducing global methane emissions is a positive step towards ensuring a sustainable and healthier future for generations to come.
