In recent months, Nigerians have been grappling with escalating airfares on both domestic and international flights, leading to a significant 40% decline in the travel market. The surge in ticket prices has been attributed primarily to the devaluation of the naira, which has increased operational costs for airlines, including the rising costs of aviation fuel (Jet A1). Additionally, foreign airlines face challenges in repatriating earnings due to currency exchange issues, resulting in limited ticket availability and higher prices. To address these challenges and ease the burden on Nigerian travelers, aviation experts have stepped in with a series of recommendations.
During an inspection tour of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 100 in the southeastern Niger Delta, off Port Harcourt, a joint team from NNPC Ltd and TotalEnergies assessed the success of the OML Flare Reduction Project, which launched in December 2023. This initiative is part of NNPC Ltd/TotalEnergies Joint Venture’s commitment to achieving zero routine gas flare across all its assets, aligning with Nigeria’s targets under the Paris Accord for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The venture had previously succeeded in eliminating routine flaring in other leases, making OML 100 the final step in this environmental endeavor.
The elimination of routine gas flaring, particularly the last known volume of about 12 million standard cubic feet per day from OML 100, has led to a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, amounting to approximately 341 kilotonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. This achievement marks a significant milestone in NNPC Ltd’s broader initiative to achieve zero routine flare by 2030 across its asset portfolio, reflecting the company’s dedication to environmental sustainability and its strategic ‘Reduce, Replace, Renew, Re-plant, Repurpose’ approach to minimizing its carbon footprint.
The journey towards zero routine gas flaring has involved concerted efforts across NNPC Ltd’s Upstream Directorate, with ongoing work across all assets to meet the 2030 target ahead of schedule. This commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development in Nigeria’s energy sector showcases the potential for significant positive impact on global efforts to combat climate change.
This initiative not only demonstrates NNPC Ltd and TotalEnergies Joint Venture’s commitment to sustainable energy production but also highlights the role of corporate responsibility in addressing environmental challenges. By prioritizing the elimination of routine gas flaring, the venture contributes to global climate action efforts and sets a precedent for environmental management in the energy industry.
