The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESDREA) has announced a strategic partnership with key international and regional stakeholders to advance carbon capture technology and unlock economic opportunities in Nigeria’s environmental sector.
Director-General of NESDREA, Innocent Barikor, disclosed this during the launch of a carbon capture, utilisation and storage innovation platform in Port Harcourt.
The platform is being co-launched by the Africa Carbon Management Technology and Innovation Centre of Excellence and the Clean Energy Ministerial CCUS Initiative.
Barikor explained that Port Harcourt was selected for the launch due to its high concentration of oil and gas activities, making it a strategic location for advancing carbon management solutions.
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He noted that existing national frameworks, including the Energy Transition Plan and the Climate Change Act, provide a strong policy foundation for carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) in Nigeria.
According to him, the initiative will support a circular economy by converting harmful emissions into valuable raw materials for industrial use, particularly in sectors such as cement and manufacturing.
“The innovation will not only protect the environment but also stimulate economic growth by creating new industrial opportunities,” Barikor said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, described the initiative as timely, given rising concerns over carbon emissions and environmental sustainability.
He warned that increasing energy demand, including reliance on alternative power sources, could worsen carbon emissions if not properly managed, stressing the need for effective storage solutions.
Coordinator of the Clean Energy Ministerial CCUS Initiative, Juho Liponen, emphasised that efficient carbon capture and storage systems are essential for achieving a cleaner and safer environment.
He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the innovation.
The partnership marks a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s climate response framework while promoting sustainable industrial development through advanced carbon management technologies.
