Methane in Nigeria: Who profits and who suffers | #TheRoundTable with Felicia Dairo

Gas flaring and unmonitored methane emissions continue to impact host communities across Nigeria's Niger Delta region. While methane is an odorless, invisible gas, its potency as a greenhouse gas is up to 84 times greater than carbon dioxide over a short-term horizon—directly affecting air quality, agricultural yields, aquatic ecosystems, and human health. In this episode of The Round Table on Clean Beat 91.5FM Abuja, host Itohan sits down with Felicia Dairo—Geologist, International Development Professional, and Project Lead for Resource Governance and Climate Change at the Center for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID). In this episode, we discuss: What methane is and the three primary modes of release in oil extraction (flaring, venting, and pipeline leaks). The direct health and economic impacts on Niger Delta communities, from respiratory illnesses and skin irritations to acid rain destroying crops and fisheries. Why oil producers often prefer to pay low regulatory fines ($2 per 1,000 SCF of gas) rather than investing in capital-intensive gas capture infrastructure. The challenges of holding divesting International Oil Companies (IOCs) accountable and the burden placed on acquiring indigenous operators. CJID's work in training journalists, supporting grassroots civil society organizations, and pushing for policy enforcement. Nigeria’s 2030 climate commitments, NEITI emission disclosure reports, and the search for reliable geological data to support economic diversification into the solid minerals sector. Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction: Gas flaring in the Niger Delta & following the money and smoke [00:21] – Introducing guest Felicia Dairo (CJID & NIWIMNR) [01:40] – What is methane gas and why is it so dangerous? [03:20] – Flaring, Venting, and Leaks: The three ways methane escapes [05:45] – Environmental, health, and agricultural impacts on local communities [09:43] – Why companies flare: Regulatory fines vs. gas capture infrastructure costs [13:20] – Weak enforcement of environmental laws and policy gaps in Nigeria [14:25] – Divestment by international oil companies and the transition to indigenous firms [17:03] – The role of CJID in capacity building, journalism, and community advocacy [22:08] – Nigeria's 2030 climate pledges and gas flare commercialization goals [26:45] – Media accountability, NEITI audit disclosures, and progress tracking [28:25] – Can Nigeria become a climate leader while relying heavily on oil and gas? [29:28] – Economic diversification, solid minerals sector, and the geological data gap #TheRoundTable #CleanBeatFM #MethaneEmissions #GasFlaring #NigerDelta #ClimateChange #ResourceGovernance #CJID #EnvironmentNigeria #EnergyTransition