Nigeria among 14 nations backed to cut methane emissions under $50M global initiative
Nigeria has been selected as one of 14 developing countries to receive support under the Super Pollutant Country Action Accelerator, a $50 million international initiative to reduce methane and other climate-warming pollutants. The announcement came at the Leaders' Level Methane Summit during COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, where UK Climate Minister Katie White confirmed an additional $25 million to expand the programme to seven more nations.
The initiative provides technical assistance, dedicated national teams, and help developing investment-ready projects to translate methane reduction commitments into practical action. Nigeria joins Brazil, Cambodia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, and South Africa as first beneficiaries announced at COP30, with Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Fiji, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan added now. The programme aims to support 30 countries by 2030.
This matters because methane is a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates near-term warming, and cutting it offers some of the fastest climate returns. The International Energy Agency says 75% of methane from fossil fuel operations can be reduced with existing technology, over half at no net cost. For Nigeria—a major oil and gas producer with significant agricultural methane sources—this could mean technical support to cut emissions from gas flaring, livestock, and waste while potentially attracting green investment.
The World Bank is already backing methane programmes in 45 countries, targeting 11 million tonnes of reductions benefiting 160 million people. Philanthropies pledged an additional $480 million across energy, agriculture, and waste sectors. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados urged stronger international cooperation and financial support for farmers adopting low-methane practices.
With technical support now available, which methane source should Nigeria prioritize first—gas flaring, livestock, or waste—to deliver both emissions cuts and economic gains?