Okadigbo tasks oil and gas players on climate change actions

The Chairman Board of Directors, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Senator Margery Chuba-Okadigbo, has urged players in the Oil and Gas sector to devise a climate change action that would enable them remain relevant in the sector, even as Nigeria continues to address weather challenges as a result of climate change.

Sen. Okadigbo, who spoke at the official launch of Seplat’s Tree 4 Life Initiative, at the Shehu Musa Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja, observed that only Oil and Gas players that will evolve and move with the new dimension of things would be better positioned for success.

“One of the most prominent challenges faced by the industry today is Climate Change. Climate change as we know is refers to the changes we have all witnessed in recent years; especially between the mid to late 20th century and onwards that is attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels. The industry has been largely blamed and considered responsible for Climate Change as the use of fossil fuels has contributed largely to the warming of the planet though it has also contributed to the many developmental strides of the human race.”

She said the Seplat Energy Tree 4 Life Initiative exemplifies one of the ways the sector can respond to the climate emergency, adding that tree planting remains a simple and effective way to help reduce the impact of carbon emissions and restore natural ecosystems.

Speaking on the theme, ‘The Critical Role Of The Oil And Gas Sector In Addressing Climate Change And Sustainability,’ Okadigbo noted, “SEPLAT Energy is embarking on this laudable endeavor at a time when the Oil and Gas industry is facing unprecedented challenges. These challenges, which seem daunting, are not insurmountable.

The Oil and Gas industry has been for many years the mainstay of the Nigerian economy and the main driver for socio-economic development across the World.

This natural resource has driven the worlds’ economy for many years now from planes to trains, automobiles and power for our homes, the importance of hydrocarbons in modern living cannot be overemphasised.”

According to the Senator, who represented Anambra North Senatorial District, “We are in a state of conundrum where the world requires hydrocarbons to function but wants to get rid of it at the same time. Clearly, the solutions will involve everyone. The oil industry, I believe, has a pivotal role to play in addressing the issue of climate change.

“In Nigeria, we have a unique situation; in a country of over 200million people, 7th largest population in the world, with Oil and Gas reserves of over 37billion barrels of oil and 200 trillion cubic feet of gas. We must, therefore, deploy all resources to actualise the development of Nigeria while addressing climate change challenges.”

She noted that all players in the industry from the NNPC, regulators, IOCs to the independents and service companies must begin to explore ways by which the country could achieve this balance.”

In addressing Climate change and Sustainability, Okadigbo said the Oil and Gas sector must play a key role.

“Historically, the industry has the technology, experience, expertise and innovation to actualise major projects. As scrutiny on the sector increases, so much is expected of us. Oil and Gas players that evolve and move with the change will be better positioned for success.”