By: Joy Enamuna

As the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, a prominent carbon credit expert in Nigeria, has emphasized the Niger Delta’s potential to contribute to the fight against climate change. He highlighted biological sequestration as a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region.

Speaking during an Arise Television interview, Enisuoh, who serves as the Executive Director of Operations and Technical Services at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd (TSSNL), discussed the environmental challenges facing the Niger Delta. He pointed out the ongoing degradation caused by oil exploration and Nigeria’s struggle with waste management, including the growing issue of e-waste.

Enisuoh stressed the importance of leveraging carbon credit opportunities to address these challenges. “If you take a flight over the Niger Delta, you’ll see waste management is a significant problem. In addition, some areas have been severely devastated by oil and gas exploration, forcing communities to evacuate due to high levels of carcinogens,” he said.

He revealed plans to clean up affected areas, educate local communities, and partner with government agencies and stakeholders. He noted that thermal and color imaging technologies are being used to assess the situation, and drones are deployed to collect data for long-term solutions.

Highlighting the importance of accurate data collection and management, Enisuoh explained, “You need data to prove ownership of areas suitable for biological sequestration and to register these projects in the carbon credit registry. We’re partnering with companies like Oxytane and working closely with the government to achieve this.”

Enisuoh also called for collaboration with agencies such as the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), the Nigerian Climate Change Commission, and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). He expressed optimism about achieving significant progress, especially with the government taking a serious interest in environmental sustainability.

“This is a second chance for Africa to participate in shaping the future. We missed out on the industrial age, but we must not miss out on this opportunity,” he stated.

Enisuoh’s remarks underline the importance of partnerships and coordinated efforts in leveraging carbon credits to address climate change, with the Niger Delta positioned as a key player in these global efforts.