Seplat Energy Plc is on the verge of eliminating routine gas flaring across its onshore operations, marking a significant environmental milestone as Nigeria’s oil and gas sector faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions.
The company has completed all projects needed to end routine flaring, with facilities now in the commissioning stage, Okechukwu Mba, director of gas and new energy at Seplat, said at a climate roundtable in Lagos organised by Nigerian Exchange Group.
“Very soon, we will be able to clearly state that routine flaring has ended in our onshore operations,” Mba said, representing chief executive officer Roger Brown at the event. “This is an important milestone that speaks to our stewardship of the environment.”
The announcement comes as NGX Group launched its Net-Zero Programme, an initiative expected to unlock $2.5 billion to $3.1 billion in climate-linked capital for Nigerian companies. The program aims to help listed firms define net-zero pathways and improve climate disclosures to meet global investor expectations.
Seplat has deployed real-time emissions monitoring across pipelines, valves and plants, supported by asset integrity programs designed to identify and eliminate leaks.
The company is also pursuing nature-based solutions, including an afforestation program in Edo State that commits to planting millions of trees over five years.
Following its offshore acquisition, Seplat redirected LPG previously destined for export to Nigeria’s domestic market, improving availability and affordability while helping reduce reliance on biomass fuels like firewood and charcoal in communities beyond major cities.
Mba emphasised that oil and gas will remain central to Nigeria’s energy mix, but operators must demonstrate responsibility through improved efficiency and reduced emissions. He called for increased financing for gas and gas-to-power projects, noting that replacing petrol and diesel generators, which currently provide more electricity than the national grid’s five gigawatts, with gas-powered alternatives could achieve substantial decarbonization.
“Without adequate financing, these projects cannot be implemented, and the benefits will not be realised,” he said.
The NGX program, developed in partnership with DEG, Germany’s development finance institution, and Africa Foresight Group, reflects growing recognition that climate risk has become critical to valuation and capital allocation globally.
