Using optical gas imaging to drive methane reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector  

Rapidly cutting methane emissions, especially from the oil and gas sector, is a critical part of efforts to bend the curve on climate change. As part of our commitment to support global methane emissions mitigation, Clean Air Task Force (CATF) recently partnered with stakeholders in Nigeria on a campaign demonstrating the effectiveness of optical gas imaging technology for detecting methane leaks from the country’s oil and gas sector. 

What is Optical Gas Imaging? 

Optical gas imaging (OGI) is a technology that uses infrared cameras to detect and visualize gas emissions, such as methane, in real time. These cameras make invisible gas leaks visible, allowing operators to identify emissions directly from individual leaks or venting sources. OGI devices can be handheld for on-the-spot inspections or fixed in place to continuously monitor an area for increased methane levels. While some OGI systems focus solely on detecting leaks, others can also quantify the amount of gas being emitted, making them valuable tools for both detection and measurement in methane mitigation efforts. 

A historic collaboration in Nigeria with local and global partners 

The OGI campaign officially commenced on October 18, 2024, and brought together experts from multiple organizations including: the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), CATF, and Carbon Limits Nigeria (CLN). This collaboration was especially significant, as it marked the first time the Nigerian regulators and other key government agencies were directly involved in such a methane mitigation campaign.  

Special recognition goes to NUPRC’s management for facilitating smooth operations and coordinating with operators during site visits. This campaign builds on a long-standing partnership between CATF and NUPRC, which began in 2019 with the development of Nigeria’s methane guidelines—Africa’s first—approved in 2022. 

Through workshops, training, and technical support, CATF has worked closely with NUPRC to implement these regulations. The OGI campaign demonstrated the effectiveness of optical gas imaging technology for leak detection and repair (LDAR), reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in addressing methane emissions. 

Where we went and what we saw  

Five facilities in the Niger Delta region participated in the campaign, all managed by Nigeria oil and gas operators. The campaign unfolded in two parts. The first phase involved an initial reconnaissance visit to each of the five facilities, which allowed us to introduce the OGI technology to the operators and conduct preliminary scans of potential methane leak points. The second phase involved a detailed survey, during which we used the OGI camera to track specific leaks throughout the facilities. 

While we observed varying degrees of methane emissions at the sites we visited, our goal was not to single out individual facilities but to demonstrate the value of OGI technology. At the time of our visit, three of the five facilities were actively producing oil and gas, while two were temporarily shut down due to ongoing maintenance on the export pipeline. Despite these limitations, the facilities in operation and the cooperation of their owners allowed us to effectively utilize the OGI technology to detect methane leaks. 

On the first day of the campaign, for example, the OGI camera identified emissions from storage tanks, where thief hatches—typically installed on top of low-pressure and atmospheric tanks to provide access for sampling and measuring tank levels—were venting gases to maintain pressure, and emissions from stabilizer valves. The operator’s team was highly cooperative, providing us with safety briefings and ensuring that the OGI camera was used in a safe manner. They also monitored our movements using handheld gas detectors to ensure that there were no risks associated with the equipment deployed. 

Later in the campaign, we visited another facility that was shut down due to ongoing maintenance on its export pipeline. Despite being non-operational, we observed some residual gas flaring from the facility, underscoring that even in facilities that are not fully operational, methane emissions can still occur from stored crude oil or residual gases.  

After the campaign: A stronger case for OGI deployment in Nigeria   

While this OGI campaign was not the first demonstration of leak detection technology in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, it was unique in several ways. Notably, this campaign was specifically designed to assess the practicality and effectiveness of OGI use as stipulated by Nigeria’s methane guidelines. While the NUPRC has previously engaged in OGI campaigns, including pilot LDAR exercises and collaborations with international oil companies and local operators, this initiative emphasizes a strengthened commitment within the Nigerian government to address methane emissions for both climate change mitigation and adherence to international standards and best practices. 

The involvement of regulators in the OGI campaign will be critical for driving change in the industry. By witnessing firsthand, the value of OGI technology and understanding its role in leak detection, NUPRC and NCCCS are better equipped to encourage other operators to adopt similar practices. The Nigerian methane guidelines, which require operators to conduct LDAR activities four times a year, provide a strong regulatory framework for this. With continued collaboration between CATF, NUPRC and industry operators, we can ensure that these guidelines are effectively implemented.  

Moving forward, we hope to see more operators adopt OGI technology as part of their regular LDAR activities. We also encourage other stakeholders to support and follow these efforts closely. Methane reduction is a critical component of the fight against climate change and with the right tools, policies and partnerships in place, we can make meaningful progress.  

As we continue our work, we remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s methane mitigation goals and advancing global climate action. We are confident that with sustained effort and collaboration, Nigeria can become a leader in methane reduction in Africa, setting an example for other nations to follow.