March 11, 2025
Policy Alert, We The People and Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) to Strengthen Community Advocacy on Methane Emissions in Niger Delta
Portharcourt, Nigeria – Policy Alert, in collaboration with We The People and Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI), is set to host a capacity-building event on March 12, 2025, aimed at empowering oil and gas communities in Nigeria’s Niger Delta with the knowledge and tools to advocate for stronger action on methane emissions.
The workshop, titled “Capacity-Building Sessions for Extractive Communities on the Impacts of Methane Emissions,” will address the urgent need to mitigate methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change and poses serious health risks, particularly in oil-producing regions.
“Methane emissions have devastating impacts on our communities, I am talking about real life challenges such as increased respiratory problems, skin irritation, birth defect, increased risk of cancer and loss of livelihood of our people,” stated Edidiong Dickson, Extractive Lead at Policy Alert. “This workshop is crucial in empowering our communities to understand these impacts and advocate for sustainable practices that protect our environment and well-being.”
”As Nigeria bets big on gas for domestic usage and exports through its Decade of Gas initiative, mitigating methane emissions has become an urgent priority to safeguard public health, livelihoods, and the environment” said Tengi George-Ikoli, Senior Officer, Natural Resource Governance Institute. This event builds on NRGI’s just energy transition program, to reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector, promote sustainable energy practices that prioritize people centered decision making and advances community well-being.
Edidiong Dickson added, “By empowering extractive communities with knowledge, we can ensure that the energy transition plan are implemented in a way that prioritizes both environmental sustainability and community well-being.”
The interactive workshop will bring together community members, women, youths, traditional leaders, and community-based organizations from key oil- and gas-producing areas in the Niger Delta. The event will highlight the unique challenges faced by host communities and participants will gain a deeper understanding of methane’s impacts through expert-led presentations, offering actionable insights for grassroots advocacy. Communities must hold government and companies accountable to their national and global commitments to reduce methane emissions to secure a better future for impacted oil producing communities.
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Media contact:
Abasiama Cyril
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