Nigeria Pushes Global Methane Action Agenda at EU Science Policy Dialogue in Italy

Nigeria Pushes Global Methane Action Agenda at EU Science Policy Dialogue in Italy

At a high-level Science Policy Dialogue on “Methane Action for People & Planet” held in Ispra, Italy, the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), Omotenioye Majekodunmi, has called for urgent, coordinated global action on methane emissions, positioning Nigeria as a key driver of climate solutions ahead of COP31.

The event, hosted by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in collaboration with the Mayor of Ispra, brought together policymakers, scientists, and climate stakeholders to advance practical strategies for methane mitigation.

The dialogue also marked 250 years since methane was first identified near Lago Maggiore, underscoring the evolution of methane from a scientific discovery to a central element in climate policy.

Delivering Nigeria’s position, Majekodunmi stressed that methane reduction is no longer optional but a “critical lever” in addressing climate change. She highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to drive methane action through improved measurement integrity, activation of carbon markets, and alignment of climate policies with national development priorities.

According to her, Nigeria is leveraging advanced tools, including satellite monitoring, alongside regulatory enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability and measurable impact in emissions reduction.

She further emphasized that methane mitigation presents significant economic opportunities, noting that climate action can catalyse clean energy expansion, stimulate economic growth, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a green economy.

“Nigeria is demonstrating that climate solutions can deliver tangible benefits for people while safeguarding the planet,” she noted.

The NCCC Director-General’s remarks come as global attention intensifies in the lead-up to COP31, with stakeholders increasingly recognizing methane reduction as one of the fastest and most effective ways to limit global warming.

Participants at the dialogue agreed that beyond emissions control, methane action must be framed around broader outcomes, including public health, economic resilience, and sustainable development.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for stronger international collaboration, data transparency, and policy integration to accelerate methane mitigation efforts worldwide.