Energy experts have called on the Federal Government to develop a national strategy for converting methane emissions into usable energy, saying the initiative could help power about 4.2 million Nigerian households annually while also addressing environmental challenges.
The recommendation was made at a workshop on Methane Recovery and Power Integration held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, under an EU-ECOWAS-supported and British Council-administered postgraduate energy programme.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the workshop, the experts warned that Nigeria is facing a “climate-energy paradox,” where significant methane emissions from agriculture, oil and gas operations, and coal mining are being wasted despite widespread energy shortages.
They noted that satellite-based data from TROPOMI Sentinel-5P suggests Nigeria’s actual methane emissions may be significantly higher than current national estimates, highlighting gaps in existing environmental monitoring systems.
The experts explained that methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a global warming impact far greater than carbon dioxide and could be recovered and converted into useful energy if properly harnessed.
According to them, Nigeria’s recoverable methane potential could generate over 80,000 terajoules of energy annually, enough to support millions of households.
They urged the government to treat methane not only as an environmental concern but also as a strategic energy resource capable of reducing energy poverty and boosting economic development.
Among their key recommendations were the establishment of a National Methane Recovery Agency, legislative backing through a Methane Recovery and Utilisation Act, and integration of satellite monitoring systems into national emissions tracking.
The experts also called for stronger regulatory enforcement across oil, gas, agriculture, and mining sectors, including mandatory methane capture technologies and improved reporting standards for operators.
In addition, they proposed financial incentives for private investors, the creation of a Green Methane Recovery Fund, and the deployment of biogas and gas recovery systems in rural agricultural communities.
They further recommended the adoption of improved rice farming techniques and the expansion of compressed natural gas (CNG) systems to support energy access.
The workshop concluded with a proposed five-year roadmap, starting with a nationwide methane audit using advanced satellite technology to guide policy and investment decisions.
