FG partners firm to develop oil spill tracker

The Federal Government through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency in partnership with the Stakeholder Democracy Network has developed a satellite-based methane tracker to tackle oil spillage in Nigeria.

The Team Lead for SDN, an international non-governmental organisation, Adam Heal, who disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday during a visit to NOSDRA’s headquarters, said the satellite-based technology is an emerging initiative used to identify hot spots where methane is emerging.

He said this will enable regulators like NOSDRA and other agencies to cooperate with oil and gas companies to respond to emissions, fix the problem, and reduce the adverse impact on the environment.

Heal explained that methane is an important gas in terms of climate change, adding that its impact on the climate is several times worse than carbon dioxide but if tackled there are better chances of reaching long-term climate goals.

“Very notable tools have been produced till date, these are the oil spill monitor and

the gas flare tracker, which we were delighted to play a part in co-developing with NOSDRA.

“And then most recently, we’ve been very happy to partner with NOSDRA to develop a prototype methane tracker for the oil and gas sector in Nigeria. This was supported by a project with funding from the government of the Netherlands.

“We developed a prototype, which has been shared with the team for their feedback. And we’re very much hoping now to mobilize further resources to take that prototype and to develop it into a fully usable tool to better control this important climate,” Heal stated.

He said phase one of the prototype has been completed, adding that partners in the deal are looking forward to mobilise resources and delivering phase two.

On his part, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, NOSDRA, Chukwuemeka Woke, said the agency is keen on promoting transparency and accountability in the oil industry, which made it to support initiatives in the development of the Nigerian oil spill monitor.

 On the relationship that exists between the duo, Woke said the prototype emitting tracker that has been developed would generate that would serve as input to Nigerian carbon emission submission through the Department of Climate Change.

“This has helped the activities of the oil and gas industry. So we have no reason not to continue our relationship with you. What you have done is to enhance our performance. We have a mandate to ensure a clean environment.

“And because this is a relationship, whatever you require from us to enhance your request to have further interface with other heads of departments, let me inform you that the request is granted,” the NOSDRA boss stated.