The Natural Resources Governance Institute (NRGI) has called for stronger enforcement of methane emission regulations in Nigeria’s oil sector.
The organisation specifically urged stricter compliance among companies operating across the Niger Delta region.
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NRGI Country Manager, Tengi George-Ikoli, made the call during a webinar on Tuesday.
The webinar focused on leveraging media storytelling to strengthen accountability and enforcement on methane emissions.
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The event promoted the documentary, “The Human Cost of Methane Emissions in Nigeria’s Niger Delta”.
The documentary was produced by Policy Alert and We The People, with support from NRGI.
Mrs George-Ikoli said Nigeria needed a credible and unified approach to measuring methane emissions.
She explained that accurate measurement was critical to tracking progress and ensuring effective reductions.
“A common baseline and robust measurement standards are essential for tracking progress and building trust,” she said.
The NRGI official stressed that companies must move beyond disclosure to actual methane management.
“Companies should not only disclose emissions, but actively manage and reduce them,” she added.
According to her, transparency must translate into practical action across the oil and gas sector.
She called for stronger monitoring and reporting systems throughout the industry’s value chain.
Mrs George-Ikoli also highlighted the importance of independent verification and effective regulatory oversight.
She said these measures would help guarantee credible and sustainable emissions reductions.
“The success of any methane reduction strategy should improve the lives of affected communities,” she said.
She noted that the documentary revealed the human realities behind methane emission statistics.
According to her, the film highlighted voices often excluded from energy and climate discussions.
She described it as a resource for journalists, researchers, advocates and citizens.
According to Mrs George-Ikoli, the media plays a crucial role in connecting policies with realities.
“Good journalism can test claims, follow evidence and hold institutions accountable,” she said.
She added that reporting should ensure affected communities remain visible after announcements.
‘Documentary, a tool for accountability’
The Executive Director of Policy Alert, Tijah Bolton-Akpan, described the documentary as a tool for accountability.
He said it provided an opportunity for reflection on methane emissions and governance failures.
Mr Bolton-Apkan said gas flare sites represented serious challenges for surrounding communities.
He listed respiratory illnesses, polluted farmlands, declining fish stocks and climate impacts.
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“Every day unchecked emissions continue, communities lose health, environment and future,” he said.
He argued that discussions should focus on solutions rather than questioning the harm.
“The conversation is no longer whether harm is happening, but why it continues,” he added.
Mr Bolton-Apkan urged journalists to investigate emissions and amplify affected communities’ experiences.
He pledged continued commitment toward transparency, enforcement and justice in the extractive sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that newsroom leaders also joined the discussions.
Communication experts highlighted the media’s role in driving accountability for methane. The facilitators urged journalists to expose governance gaps through evidence-based reporting.
They also encouraged tracking of emissions against national and global commitments. The session further emphasised monitoring regulations to reduce methane pollution.
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