The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its joint venture partner, First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P), have reduced routine gas flaring by 96% at the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields in the Niger Delta.

The milestone was achieved through an associated gas (AG) reinjection strategy, allowing for the safe storage of gas that would otherwise be flared. The gas is reinjected into an underground storage reservoir at the Madu field, located offshore Bayelsa State. This initiative reduces environmental impact while supporting Nigeria’s broader climate commitments.

The NNPCL has reaffirmed its commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with Nigeria’s Paris Agreement pledge to reduce emissions by 20% unconditionally and by 47% with international support. The reduction also ensures compliance with Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) standards.

NNPCL group chief executive officer Mele Kyari said the project reflects the company’s focus on sustainability.

“This achievement underscores our commitment to leveraging resources responsibly and optimising production to meet energy needs and sustainability goals. It reflects our commitment to aligning our operations with global standards and environmental best practices,” he said.

Despite these gains, Nigeria remains one of the world's top nine contributors to gas flaring, according to the World Bank’s 2024 Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report. Alongside Russia, the US, Iran, Iraq, Venezuela, Algeria, Libya, and Mexico, Nigeria accounts for 75% of the world’s flared gas—a group that also produces nearly half of global crude oil output.