Seplat Energy insists oil and gas remains crucial to Nigeria’s energy future, highlights path to responsible operations

Seplat Energy Plc has reiterated that oil and gas will remain a critical part of Nigeria’s energy mix, emphasizing the need for operators to conduct their activities responsibly, efficiently, and sustainably.

Mr. Okechukwu Mba, Director of Gas & New Energy at Seplat, articulated this position while representing CEO Roger Brown at a climate roundtable in Lagos.

He argued that the central issue is not the existence of oil and gas, but how operators manage their environmental, social, and economic responsibilities.

Mba stated that responsible operations require concrete actions like improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and credible offsetting strategies.

He disclosed that Seplat has launched a comprehensive program to end routine gas flaring across all its onshore operations, with all necessary projects delivered and now in the commissioning stage.

He further highlighted Seplat’s use of technology for real-time emissions monitoring and a robust asset integrity program to eliminate leaks. Beyond operational measures, the company is implementing nature-based solutions, including an afforestation program in Edo State committed to planting millions of trees.

Mba also pointed to investments in gas and LPG infrastructure to reduce emissions beyond direct operations, noting that redirected LPG supplies are improving domestic market availability and affordability.

He underscored the urgent need for financing to support Nigeria’s energy transition, particularly for gas-to-power projects that could replace high-emission generators.

The roundtable marked the launch of the NGX Net-Zero Programme (N-Zero), an initiative designed to help listed companies define net-zero pathways and improve climate disclosures.

The program is expected to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3.1 billion in climate-linked capital.

Speaking at the launch, NGX Group Chairman Dr. Umaru Kwairanga said Africa’s capital markets must lead in driving climate action and sustainable growth.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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