As the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan, Nigerian carbon credit expert; Captain Warredi Enisuoh has emphasized the significant potential of the Niger Delta in mitigating climate change through biological sequestration of greenhouse gas emissions.
Enisuoh, the Executive Director of Operations and Technical Services at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), made this assertion during a recent appearance on a televised programme. He highlighted the unique opportunities the Niger Delta offers, even amidst challenges such as environmental degradation caused by oil exploration and Nigeria’s persistent issues with waste management, particularly e-waste.
“It is imperative that we leverage the opportunities provided by carbon credits to address the challenges of emissions,” Enisuoh stressed.
He painted a vivid picture of the environmental situation in the Niger Delta, noting that waste management and pollution from oil exploration are major concerns.
“If you take a flight over the Niger Delta, you’ll see that waste management and environmental degradation are severe problems,” he explained. “In some areas, oil and gas exploration has devastated the environment to such an extent that communities have been forced to evacuate due to high levels of carcinogens.”
Enisuoh outlined a multi-faceted approach to addressing these challenges, which includes cleanup initiatives and educating local communities. “We’re not just engaging experts; we’re also developing projects to enlighten and empower the affected communities,” he added.
Enisuoh disclosed that TSSNL is forging partnerships with government agencies and stakeholders to drive sustainable solutions. He underscored the critical importance of data collection and analysis in this process.
“If you don’t have the capacity to gather data, it becomes extremely difficult to proceed. That’s why we’ve partnered with companies like Oxytane, which collaborates with the government on carbon credit initiatives,” he said.
He elaborated on the steps involved in biological sequestration, which include proving ownership of affected areas, cataloging biological assets, and registering sequestration projects with carbon credit registries.
“We’re leveraging technologies like drones to collect data. This data is vital for developing actionable insights, which can then be converted into economic benefits for the communities,” he explained.
Enisuoh described this initiative as a unique opportunity for Africa to catch up with global efforts in climate action.
“This is a second chance for Africa to actively participate in shaping the future,” he remarked. “We may have missed out on the industrial revolution, but we cannot afford to miss out on this transformative age.”
He expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts between TSSNL and various governmental bodies, including the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), and the Nigerian Climate Change Commission.
“There’s still a lot of work to be done, but we are committed to supporting these agencies with the technical capacity required to achieve their goals,” he said.
Enisuoh also acknowledged the Nigerian government’s proactive stance on climate change, citing its participation at COP 29 as a testament to its commitment.
“The current administration is taking this very seriously, and that’s why they have a presence in Azerbaijan right now,” he concluded.
