UK Reiterates Support for Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plans

By Adedapo Adesanya

The United Kingdom has reiterated its strong support for Nigeria’s energy transition plan, which involves tapping into various sustainable energy efforts, including hydro, solar, and others renewables to complement its hydrocarbons options to create enough value in its energy sector.

The First Secretary for Climate Diplomacy in the British High Commission, Ms Samantha Harrison, during a visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in Abuja, emphasised the United Kingdom’s commitment to partnering with Nigeria on climate and energy initiatives.

Discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration to reduce gas flaring, an essential component of Nigeria’s decarbonisation strategy.

The visit highlights the UK’s ongoing dedication to supporting Nigeria’s sustainable energy goals and fostering climate-resilient development as a pathway to long-term economic growth.

In his remarks, the chief executive of NUPRC, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, reaffirmed the agency’s leadership role in driving decarbonisation within Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.

Mr Komolafe stated that the commission is implementing a dual strategy to address gas flaring: by decarbonising flare sites, and by converting flared gas into valuable economic assets.

This approach not only mitigates environmental impact but also enhances national revenue generation.

Business Post reported recently that Nigeria lost over N710 billion to gas flaring.

A key initiative in this effort is the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) which currently includes 49 identified flare sites.

The programme is designed to harness previously wasted gas resources and channel them into productive use, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic growth.

Mr Komolafe also acknowledged the support received from multilateral organisations such as the World Bank and Net Zero World and expressed optimism about future collaboration with the British High Commission to further enhance the Commission’s decarbonisation efforts.

During the visit, officials of the commission and the British High Commission delegation held a technical session towards fostering a robust partnership.