The World Bank has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to accelerate efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions within Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The collaboration is part of the global lender’s broader initiative to support developing nations in achieving energy transition goals while maintaining economic stability and sustainable growth.
The partnership focuses on promoting best practices in carbon management, ending routine gas flaring, and fostering the adoption of cleaner technologies in upstream oil operations. Officials from both organizations say the move underscores a shared commitment to tackling climate change and aligning Nigeria’s petroleum sector with global emission reduction standards.

Speaking during the formal announcement of the partnership in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, said the initiative is a milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing energy reforms. He explained that the collaboration would leverage the World Bank’s technical expertise, funding support, and global experience to strengthen Nigeria’s emission monitoring and reporting systems.
According to Komolafe, the oil and gas sector remains one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Nigeria, primarily from gas flaring and methane leakage. He said that through the partnership, the NUPRC would implement more rigorous data collection systems and deploy advanced technologies to track, verify, and report emissions in real time.
He added that the collaboration aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to achieving a just energy transition and positioning Nigeria as a responsible oil-producing nation. “This partnership will enhance our capacity to implement Nigeria’s energy transition plan and achieve our nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. It also strengthens our regulatory oversight and commitment to cleaner and more efficient energy production,” Komolafe stated.
On its part, the World Bank noted that the cooperation with NUPRC is part of its Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR) — a program aimed at supporting countries and oil companies to end routine flaring and improve gas utilization. The bank’s Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, who spoke through a representative, said that Nigeria’s role as a major oil producer makes it a critical partner in global climate efforts.
“Nigeria has the potential to lead Africa in sustainable oil production practices. This partnership with NUPRC is designed to strengthen institutional capacity, improve transparency, and enable investments in low-carbon technologies that can reduce emissions while driving growth,” Chaudhuri said.
The World Bank’s technical team will assist in developing an Emission Management Framework (EMF) for the upstream petroleum sector. This framework will include clear guidelines on emissions tracking, flare monitoring, and methane abatement. It will also support the implementation of the “Decade of Gas” policy by encouraging gas commercialization and utilization instead of wasteful flaring.
Nigeria, despite being one of the continent’s largest producers of oil and gas, continues to face challenges in curbing gas flaring. According to NUPRC’s latest data, the country flared over 250 million standard cubic feet of gas per day in the first half of 2025, representing a significant loss of potential revenue and a major environmental concern.
Environmental experts have welcomed the partnership, noting that it could help accelerate Nigeria’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. They emphasized that global partnerships such as this are crucial for providing the technical and financial resources needed to implement climate-smart solutions in energy production.
An energy policy analyst, Dr. Aisha Adamu, remarked that “for Nigeria to meet its climate targets, collaboration with international partners like the World Bank is essential. However, what will determine the success of this initiative is effective implementation, transparency, and strong enforcement of emission control regulations.”
The World Bank has pledged to provide technical support for capacity building, data management, and infrastructure development to enhance compliance with emission control policies. It will also support NUPRC’s efforts to attract private-sector investment in cleaner technologies, such as gas capture systems and carbon storage solutions.
The partnership further aligns with the global energy industry’s move toward decarbonization. Many oil-producing countries are transitioning from routine gas flaring to gas monetization projects that convert waste gas into valuable products such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and fertilizers. Nigeria’s adoption of similar practices could generate billions in additional revenue and reduce its carbon footprint.
The NUPRC boss reiterated that the collaboration is not only about reducing emissions but also about improving economic efficiency and energy access. “By reducing gas flaring, we can capture resources currently being wasted and channel them toward powering industries, households, and communities. This will enhance energy security and economic diversification,” Komolafe added.
As part of the next steps, a joint task force comprising officials from NUPRC, the World Bank, and industry stakeholders will be established to oversee project implementation. The team will also work closely with oil companies to ensure compliance with flare reduction targets and to develop measurable emission reduction benchmarks.
This partnership is expected to serve as a model for other African nations seeking to balance fossil fuel production with environmental responsibility. With the World Bank’s support and the NUPRC’s regulatory authority, Nigeria hopes to demonstrate that economic growth and climate action can go hand in hand in Africa’s energy sector.
If successful, the collaboration could significantly reduce Nigeria’s gas flaring rates, enhance transparency in emission reporting, and set a new standard for sustainable petroleum operations across the continent.
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