The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued a strong policy directive, ordering all upstream oil and gas companies to put in place solid systems for measuring, reporting, and verifying methane and greenhouse gas emissions.
The commission chief executive, Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan stated that this step supports Nigeria's oil and gas climate pledges under the Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs.
In an order titled, "Directive On Implementing Standardised Templates And Transitioning To Measurement-based Methane And GHG Reporting" posted on the commission's X handle on Monday, Eyesan explained, "This directive builds on the 2022 Guidelines for Managing Methane and Greenhouse Gases in the Upstream Oil and Gas Sector."
The goal is to help limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by cutting methane--a powerful greenhouse gas--and ensuring clear, proven reports on emissions from fossil fuels.
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"The global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C have placed heightened expectations on oil and gas and other fossil energy sources to demonstrate commitment to the mitigation of methane, a potent greenhouse gas & other pollutants while ensuring transparent, verifiable, and measurement-based emissions reporting systems."
Eyesan noted that since 2022, companies have started using basic IPCC Tier 1 methods to measure emissions.
She added, "Operators must now move to Tier 2 methods by the third quarter of 2026, and fully switch to advanced Tier 3 methods--or equal high-level standards--by January 2027." Companies can stick to the IPCC framework, which is the world standard for UN climate reports, or use matching systems like OGMP 2.0, API, or ISO.
The commission chief executive pointed out challenges seen during rollout, saying,
"We found gaps in technical skills and equipment for tracking emissions."
To fix this, NUPRC held special workshops and guidance meetings to train industry workers and ease the shift to real measurement-based reporting.
Eyesan stressed the bigger picture, declaring, "Nigeria aims for net-zero emissions by 2060, zero routine gas flaring by 2030, and a 60 per cent cut in methane by 2035."
These goals demand strong, science-backed tracking systems that match global rules.
Under the new rules, all companies must use standard forms from the NUPRC website for their Greenhouse Gas Emissions Management Plan, or GHGEMP, and for reporting methane and GHG inventories. She directed, "Starting right away, reports must be checkable, open, and backed by real proof, following MRV principles."
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Eyesan assured support, stating, "These steps will build trust, improve Nigeria's standing in world markets, and draw investors focused on clean energy."
NUPRC said it plans to keep helping with training, advice, and tools for better emissions tracking.
This directive takes effect immediately for all submissions to the Commission.
"All submissions to the Commission which shall take effect immediately, shall follow the templates published on the NUPRC website and be verifiable, transparent, and evidence-driven in line with MRV principles.
These measures are designed accountability, strengthen Nigeria's credibility in global markets, and unlock climate-smart investors for the upstream sector.
"The Commission remains committed to supporting the industry through capacity building, technical guidance, and deployment of MRV enabling infrastructure," Eyesan emphasised.
