The Federal Government, through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency has partnered with the Stakeholder Democracy Network to develop a satellite-based methane tracker aimed at addressing oil spills in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Team Lead for SDN, Adam Heal during a visit to NOSDRA’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, according to The Punch.
Heal revealed that this innovative technology will help identify hotspots where methane emissions are occurring.
He noted that the tracker will enable regulators like NOSDRA to collaborate with oil and gas companies to respond to emissions, rectify issues, and mitigate their adverse environmental impacts.
Heal emphasized the significance of methane in relation to climate change, pointing out that its effects are several times more harmful than those of carbon dioxide. He stated that effectively tackling methane emissions could enhance the chances of achieving long-term climate.
“Very notable tools have been produced till date, these are the oil spill monitor and the gas flare tracker, which we were delighted to play a part in co-developing with NOSDRA.
“And then most recently, we’ve been very happy to partner with NOSDRA to develop a prototype methane tracker for the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. This was supported by a project with funding from the government of the Netherlands.
“We developed a prototype, which has been shared with the team for their feedback. And we’re very much hoping now to mobilize further resources to take that prototype and to develop it into a fully usable tool to better control this important climate,” Heal stated.
He said phase one of the prototype has been completed, adding that partners in the deal are looking forward to mobilise resources and delivering phase two.
Meanwhile, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, NOSDRA, Chukwuemeka Woke said the agency is committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the oil industry, which is why it supports initiatives like the development of the Nigerian oil spill monitor.
Woke highlighted the relationship between the two organizations, noting that the developed prototype emitting tracker would generate data that could inform Nigeria’s carbon emission submissions through the Department of Climate Change.
“This has helped the activities of the oil and gas industry. So we have no reason not to continue our relationship with you. What you have done is to enhance our performance. We have a mandate to ensure a clean environment.
“And because this is a relationship, whatever you require from us to enhance your request to have further interface with other heads of departments, let me inform you that the request is granted,” the NOSDRA boss stated.
