Nigeria Launches Carbon Capture Platform to Drive Climate Action and Green Innovation

Nigeria has taken a significant step toward tackling climate change with the unveiling of a Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Technology and Innovation Platform at the University of Port Harcourt.

The initiative, developed in collaboration with the African Carbon Management Technology and Innovation Centre of Excellence and the Clean Energy Ministerial Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Initiative, aims to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity in carbon management and sustainable energy development.

Speaking at the launch, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, Innocent Barikor, described the platform as a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to build climate resilience and promote environmental sustainability.

Barikor highlighted the growing threat posed by greenhouse gas emissions to ecosystems, economies, and livelihoods, stressing that innovative solutions like CCUS are critical in addressing these challenges.

He noted that Nigeria has set ambitious climate targets under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, aiming for a 20 percent unconditional reduction in emissions and up to 47 percent conditional reduction by 2030.

According to him, the initiative aligns with key national policies, including the Climate Change Act of 2021 and the country’s Energy Transition Plan.

Beyond environmental benefits, Barikor emphasised that CCUS technologies could unlock economic opportunities by supporting cleaner industrial processes in sectors such as cement, steel, and refining, while also enabling new energy solutions like hydrogen and methanol production. He added that the initiative could drive innovation and create skilled jobs in emerging green industries.

Earlier, the Team Lead of ACMTI at the University of Port Harcourt, Richard Victor, stressed the importance of collaboration in advancing carbon management technologies. He explained that the platform would facilitate research, encourage technology exchange, strengthen policy frameworks, and promote partnerships between public and private sectors.

Victor added that the initiative builds on previous international engagements, including collaborations with the World Bank Group, and research assessments conducted between 2022 and 2024.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Georgewill Onwunari, represented by Angela Briggs, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting research and innovation in energy transition and low-carbon technologies.

He noted that the university’s Energy Technology Institute is well-positioned to provide the expertise and infrastructure needed for capacity building, research collaboration, and technical analysis in the implementation of CCUS in Nigeria.

The event brought together stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and international organisations to explore how CCUS can contribute to addressing climate change through a circular economy approach.

The highlight of the gathering was the official unveiling of the platform, signaling Nigeria’s intent to leverage innovation, partnerships, and investment to achieve sustainable economic growth while protecting the environment.