ABUJA, July 26, 2024 — At the Third National Extractives Dialogue (NED2024) held at Bon Hotel Elvis, Abuja, ENGR. Chukwuemeka Woke, FNSE, Director General and Chief Executive of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), delivered a powerful opening address emphasizing the urgent need for Nigeria to reduce gas flaring. The event, held on July 24-25, 2024, focused on the theme: “Gas Flare Reduction: Catalyst for Accelerating Nigeria’s Path to Net-Zero Emissions and Sustainable Development.”
A Call to Action
In his keynote speech, Engr. Woke underscored the critical juncture at which Nigeria finds itself. He highlighted the profound implications of gas flaring on the environment, public health, and the nation’s economy. “The decisions we make and the actions we take in forums like this will unequivocally shape the future of our environment, our economy, and the health and well-being of our people,” he stated, emphasizing the gravity of the issue at hand.
Woke described gas flaring as not just an environmental issue but a “fundamental challenge” with extensive ramifications. He pointed out that the persistent practice has marred Nigeria’s landscape, leading to deteriorated air quality and public health crises, while also contributing to the global climate crisis. He stated, “The well-documented environmental and health ramifications of gas flaring have far-reaching effects, deteriorating air quality, and public health while also aggravating the global climate crisis.”
A Transformative Opportunity
However, Woke also highlighted the potential for transformative change, seeing in the challenge of gas flaring an opportunity for innovation and sustainable development. Aligning with the global climate agenda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he emphasized that reducing gas flaring could serve as a catalyst for achieving Nigeria’s net-zero emissions goals. “The theme of our dialogue underscores the transformative potential of curbing gas flaring. It positions gas flare reduction not just as an environmental necessity but as a catalyst for broader sustainable development and a key driver towards our net-zero emissions goal,” he explained.
Woke outlined the benefits of addressing gas flaring, including enhancing energy efficiency, promoting economic diversification, and increasing community resilience. He linked these outcomes to economic growth and job creation, aligning with the President’s 8-point Agenda.
A Collaborative Effort
The dialogue brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, environmental advocates, and community representatives. Woke emphasized the importance of collective effort and shared commitment to developing effective strategies and innovative solutions to significantly reduce gas flaring in Nigeria. “It is through our collective efforts and shared commitment that we can develop effective strategies and innovative solutions to significantly reduce gas flaring in Nigeria,” he said.
In closing, Engr. Woke expressed his gratitude to the event’s co-organizer, the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), and the Ford Foundation through Space4Change for their support. He urged participants to engage openly and focus on actionable outcomes, aiming not just to discuss but to implement and transform. “Let us focus on actionable outcomes that can drive real change and progress. Our goal is not just to discuss but to act, to implement, and to transform,” he concluded.
The NED2024 provided a critical platform for discussing the future of Nigeria’s extractive industries, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and economic development. As Nigeria continues its journey towards a sustainable future, the outcomes of this dialogue will play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s policies and practices in the energy sector.
