Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy Plc, Roger Brown, has reiterated that oil and gas would continue to play a critical role in Nigeria’s energy mix, while stressing the need for operators to conduct their activities responsibly, efficiently, and sustainably.

Brown, who was represented by the Director, Gas and New Energy, Seplat Energy, Okechukwu Mba, stated this at a high-level climate roundtable organised by the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) in partnership with DEG, a German development finance institution, as well as Africa Foresight Group (AFG) in Lagos.

The event also marked the launch of the NGX Net-Zero Programme (N-Zero), an initiative designed to support listed companies in defining a net-zero pathway, improving climate-related disclosures and aligning with global investor expectations.

The programme is expected to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3.1 billion in climate-linked capital for Nigerian companies.

Speaking at the event, Brown noted that the real issue facing Nigeria’s energy sector is not whether oil and gas should exist, but how operators manage their responsibilities to the environment, society and the economy.

“Oil and gas will remain an important part of Nigeria’s energy mix for some time to come. The right conversation is not whether oil and gas should exist, but how operators conduct themselves responsibly,” he said.

He emphasised that responsible operations must be driven by concrete actions, including improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and credible offsetting strategies.

He explained that at Seplat Energy, the commitment was already being translated into measurable outcomes as the company had launched a comprehensive programme several years ago to end routine gas flaring across all its onshore operations.

“Very soon, we will be able to clearly state that routine flaring has ended in our onshore operations. This is an important milestone that speaks to our stewardship of the environment, while remaining focused on delivering energy to the nation,” he said.

He highlighted Seplat Energy’s deployment of technology to enhance operational efficiency, including real-time monitoring of emissions across pipelines, valves, plants and other critical infrastructure, supported by a robust asset integrity programme designed to identify and eliminate emissions.

Beyond operational measures, he said the company was also implementing nature-based solutions to offset emissions.

Speaking at the launch, Group Chairman of NGX Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga, said Africa’s capital market must take a lead role in driving climate action and sustainable growth. He added that the NGX Net-Zero Programme would help companies to move from climate ambition to measurable actions.

Also presenting the investment case, Group Managing Director of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, noted that climate risk has become a critical factor in valuation and capital allocation, while a member of the Management Board of DEG, Monika Beck, said the partnership aligned with DEG’s strategy of mobilising private capital to accelerate climate actions.