Sopuruchi Onwuka

Integrated energy company Seplat Energy Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting its operations in line with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, stressing the need for responsible and sustainable practices within Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

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The company, which is listed on both the Nigerian Exchange and the London Stock Exchange, said petroleum will continue to play a key role in Nigeria’s energy mix, making sustainable operations increasingly important.

Speaking at a high-level climate roundtable organised by the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group) in Lagos, Seplat Energy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Roger Brown, said the real challenge facing the industry is how operators manage their responsibilities to the environment, society, and the economy. His remarks were delivered at the event by Mr. Okechukwu Mba.

The roundtable was hosted by NGX Group in partnership with Germany’s development finance institution, DEG, and Africa Foresight Group (AFG).

“Oil and gas will remain an important part of Nigeria’s energy mix for some time to come. The right conversation is not whether oil and gas should exist, but how operators conduct themselves responsibly,” Mr. Brown said.

He added that responsible operations must be backed by concrete actions, including improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and credible offsetting strategies.

According to Mr. Mba, Seplat Energy has already translated this commitment into measurable outcomes. He disclosed that the company launched a comprehensive programme several years ago to end routine gas flaring across all its onshore operations. By the end of last year, all projects required to achieve this goal had been completed and were at the commissioning stage.

“Very soon, we will be able to clearly state that routine flaring has ended in our onshore operations. This is an important milestone that speaks to our stewardship of the environment, while remaining focused on delivering energy to the nation,” he said.

Mr. Mba also highlighted the company’s use of technology to improve operational efficiency, including real-time monitoring of emissions across pipelines, valves, plants, and other critical infrastructure. This, he said, is supported by a robust asset integrity programme designed to identify and eliminate emissions.

Beyond operational improvements, he noted that Seplat Energy is implementing nature-based solutions to offset emissions. In one of its host communities in Edo State, the company has launched an afforestation programme that will see millions of trees planted over a five-year period, with the first phase already completed.

He further pointed to Seplat Energy’s investments in gas and LPG infrastructure as part of efforts to reduce emissions beyond its direct operations. Expanding access to LPG, he said, helps reduce dependence on firewood, charcoal, and other biomass fuels, especially in communities outside major cities.

Following the company’s offshore acquisition, Mr. Mba said LPG that was previously exported has now been redirected to the domestic market, improving availability, affordability, and overall market quality.

He also stressed the urgent need for financing to support Nigeria’s energy transition, particularly gas and gas-to-power projects. He noted that while only about five gigawatts of electricity currently come from the national grid, a much larger share of power is self-generated using petrol and diesel generators, which produce significantly higher emissions.

“If we replace these inefficient power sources with gas-powered energy, we can achieve substantial decarbonisation. But without adequate financing, these projects cannot be implemented, and the benefits will not be realised,” he said.

The event also marked the launch of the NGX Net-Zero Program (N-Zero), an initiative aimed at helping listed companies define net-zero pathways, improve climate-related disclosures, and align with global investor expectations. The programme is expected to unlock between $2.5 billion and $3.1 billion in climate-linked capital for Nigerian companies.

Speaking at the launch, NGX Group Chairman, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, said Africa’s capital markets must play a leading role in driving climate action and sustainable growth. He added that the NGX Net-Zero Program would help companies move from climate ambition to measurable action.

Also speaking, NGX Group Managing Director, Mr. Temi Popoola, said climate risk has become a critical factor in valuation and capital allocation globally, while Ms. Monika Beck, a member of DEG’s Management Board, said the partnership aligns with DEG’s strategy of mobilising private capital to accelerate climate action while delivering measurable development impact.