Nigeria Launches Strategic Carbon Capture Platform To Accelerate Industrial Decarbonisation And Climate Goals

NESREA unveils a new CCUS platform in Port Harcourt to repurpose industrial emissions and drive Nigeria toward a low carbon economy by 2035.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 11, 2026, 4:53 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from LEADERSHIP

A Decisive Move Toward Industrial Carbon Neutrality

Nigeria has officially introduced a specialized Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage initiative designed to mitigate the environmental impact of its heavy industries. Launched in Port Harcourt, the project represents a coordinated effort by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and the Africa Carbon Management Technology and Innovation Centre of Excellence. According to Innocent Barikor, the Director General of NESREA, this platform is a fundamental step in transitioning the national economy toward a low carbon model while simultaneously strengthening climate resilience and industrial modernization.

Building Economic Value From Atmospheric Waste

The technical framework of the new initiative focuses on the economic viability of capturing emissions before they reach the atmosphere. Under this strategy, carbon dioxide is not merely treated as a pollutant but as a raw material for various industrial applications. Barikor noted that the captured gas can be effectively repurposed for use in the production of beverages, cement, and chemicals. Furthermore, the framework integrates these emissions into the production of fuels, enhanced oil recovery processes, and agricultural enhancements, effectively turning environmental liabilities into tangible assets.

Strategic Partnerships For A Circular Economy

To ensure the long term viability of the project, the government has established a broad ecosystem of stakeholders across various sectors. This collaborative network includes state institutions, private industry leaders, academic researchers, and international investors. The primary goal of this grouping is to foster an environment where technology developers and development partners can align their actions. By building this circular economy, officials intend to reduce atmospheric carbon to manageable levels while creating new opportunities for investment and infrastructure development within the region.