To combat methane emissions from human-induced sources (anthropogenic) sources transformation in farming practices is essential to reduce harmful impacts on the climate.

This was one of the key recommendations presented at the ‘Methane Abatement Close Out’ meeting, held in Port Harcourt on Friday, January 24, 2025, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Experts at the event emphasized the need to enhance agricultural extension programs to equip officers with the knowledge to educate farmers on methane emissions and strategies for its abatement. 

The recommendations were presented by the Director of the African Centre for Transparency Accountability and Initiative (AfriTAL), Louis Ogbeifun.

AfriTAL collaborated with the Environmental Centre for Oil Spills and Gas Flaring (ECOSGF), led by Catholic Cleric Edward Obi, to produce the closeout report. Ogbeifun also advocated for the introduction of environmental extension, urging a review of the curriculum for environmental officers to address contemporary issues, particularly the effects of methane emissions. 

The report proposed the creation of a market for biodegradable waste, stating: “Stakeholders must develop a framework to create a market for biodegradable waste, allowing waste owners to sell their waste for its gas equivalent value.”

 It also emphasized community awareness and efficient waste management practices, such as composting, sewage management, landfills, and wetlands management. 

Experts highlighted that establishing a biowaste market could generate wealth for Nigerians, given the potential waste generated daily by the country’s 210 million people. 

Ogbeifun acknowledged challenges faced during the initial phase of the methane emission abatement project in parts of the Niger Delta.

These included the apprehension of locals regarding swamp drainage for paddy rice cultivation, the need for training on upland rice farming, and insufficient financial resources to support methane champions in extending the campaign to other rice-producing communities. 

Despite these hurdles, Ogbeifun outlined significant achievements, including the interest expressed by Bayelsa State in joining the campaign.

“Bayelsa State has shown optimism in being part of the program. We’ve also received requests to produce biodigesters for livestock and paddy rice facilities, fostering private-sector partnerships.” 

Further accomplishments included a policy brief distributed to government policymakers and the establishment of methane champions in Akwa Ibom and Cross River states, supported by TrustAfrica.

ECOSGF officials also engaged paddy rice farmers and community leaders in Cross River State on methane emission abatement through TrustAfrica funding. 

Ogbeifun highlighted the contribution of inventor Ogo Chukwudi, who demonstrated the benefits of a locally produced biodigester at workshops in Delta and Akwa Ibom states, supported by TrustAfrica. Step-down training sessions were also organized in communities and schools. 

Providing context, Ogbeifun noted the global threat posed by methane emissions, stating that the gas, while naturally occurring, is hazardous in high concentrations. He explained, “Methane’s impact is approximately 84 times greater than carbon dioxide over 20 years and 28 times more powerful over 100 years.

It is the second most abundant greenhouse gas, with significant emissions resulting from agriculture and improper waste management.” 

In a virtual address, Edward Obi expressed concerns about the global climate movement’s challenges, particularly due to policy reversals under the presidency of Donald Trump in the United States. He urged activists to adapt and reimagine their strategies in response to these challenges as the sources of emissions has not changed.

Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), academia, researchers, and other partner organizations.