Over 150 key stakeholders to attend National Extractives Dialogue (NED) 2024,  July 24-25

Stanley Ihedigbo

Spaces For Change (S4C), has announced that over 150 key stakeholders, to attend the National Extractives Dialogue (NED) an annual national convening aimed at strengthening accountability and transparent management of oil, gas, and mineral resources in West Africa, to hold on July 24-25, 2024 in Abuja.

According to the Communication Officer, Spaces for Change, Mr. Joachim Chinedu Onwe, the conference with theme:” Gas flare reduction: Catalyst for accelerating Nigeria’s path to net-zero emissions and sustainable development, is jointly orgainsed by his office, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), and National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), with support from the Ford Foundation.

He said that this year’s edition, scheduled to convene in Abuja would bring together key stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, international and indigenous extractive corporations, academia, media, civil society organizations, and host community representatives, to tackle critical issues surrounding gas flare reduction and carbon footprint minimization, aligning with Nigeria’s ambitious sustainability goals on the global energy stage.

‘This pivotal gathering promises to drive forward innovative solutions and foster sustainable development in the region.

“Nigeria’s commitment to a ‘just transition’ to net-zero emissions by 2060, as articulated at COP26, underscores the nation’s dedication to global climate goals, with a Climate Change Plan targeting the end of gas flaring by 2030 due to its significant socio-economic and environmental impacts. Recent advocacy and research have highlighted the urgent need for action, as gas flaring significantly contributes to global warming and economic inefficiencies. At COP28, Nigeria announced bold plans to halve its carbon emissions through the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP).

“Against this backdrop, NED2024 will provide a strategic platform for stakeholders to evaluate these plans, explore solutions, and develop actionable strategies to meet Nigeria’s climate objectives. Discussions will focus on gas flare reduction initiatives, progress in flaring down gas and enhancing the supervision and monitoring of these initiatives, with an emphasis on using evidence-based data for gas emission tracking and utilization.

“The objectives of NED2024 are to develop strategies to mitigate climate change and preserve local ecosystems through effective gas flare reduction initiatives, strengthen regulatory frameworks to enhance compliance with national and international environmental standards, unlock economic value from flared gas, improve public health, enhance community engagement, and foster sustainable development in host communities,” he stated.

He added that the event is aims to build stakeholder trust, enhance transparency, and attract investment by promoting responsible business practices and community-centred initiatives.

“NED2024 promises to be a transformative event, driving forward Nigeria’s efforts to reduce gas flaring and carbon emissions while promoting sustainable development. As noted by the Executive Director of Spaces for Change|S4C, Ms. Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri,  the dialogue will not only align Nigeria’s extractive industry with global sustainability goals but also ensure that local communities benefit from these initiatives”, he further stated.