Public support for methane emission reduction in Nigeria has risen sharply, according to a new international survey, with nearly nine in ten adults now backing action to curb the potent greenhouse gas. The poll found that 89 per cent of Nigerian adults support measures to reduce methane emissions, up 17 percentage points from 72 per cent in 2024 — a shift that signals growing public demand for stronger environmental protection and greater accountability from major polluters.
The survey was commissioned by the Global Methane Hub in collaboration with the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. It covered Nigeria and 17 other countries across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, and was designed to measure public awareness of climate change and methane emissions as well as attitudes toward solutions for reducing pollution.
Water, Flooding and Air Quality Top Concerns
While more than half of Nigerian adults — 53 per cent — said they were very concerned about climate change, the survey found that concern was considerably higher for immediate environmental threats. Poor water quality topped the list, with 67 per cent of respondents saying they were very concerned. Flooding and access to drinking water followed at 60 per cent each, while 55 per cent expressed serious concern about poor air quality.
Those findings come as several parts of Nigeria continue to grapple with flooding, environmental degradation and pressure on water resources, raising questions about the country’s preparedness to address the effects of climate change and to control emissions from major industrial activities.
Oil and Gas Industry Seen as Both Problem and Solution
The poll also showed that Nigerians increasingly expect major industries, particularly oil and gas companies, to take responsibility for reducing emissions. Fifty-seven per cent of respondents identified oil and gas companies among the three leading contributors to climate change. Yet 78 per cent also considered the industry very capable of making meaningful changes to address the problem — suggesting that oil and gas companies are viewed not only as a major source of pollution but also as an important part of the solution.
Marcelo Mena, Chief Executive Officer of the Global Methane Hub, said the growing public support for methane reduction reflected the increasing pressure environmental challenges were placing on Nigerian communities.
“As flooding and water challenges put greater pressure on communities across Nigeria, the case for tackling methane is becoming increasingly clear,” Mena said. “This survey shows strong and growing support for methane action, with nearly nine in ten Nigerians now supporting efforts to reduce emissions.”
He noted that in the oil and gas sector, cutting methane leaks, venting and flaring reduces pollution and safety risks for nearby communities while helping to slow warming. Such measures, he added, also make Nigerian oil and gas more competitive, as buyers in markets such as Europe increasingly demand lower-methane supply.
Why Methane Matters
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas released from activities including oil and gas production, agriculture and waste disposal. Although it remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period than carbon dioxide, it traps significantly more heat over a 20-year horizon. According to the Global Methane Hub, methane is responsible for approximately 30 per cent of the warming experienced since pre-industrial times and is more than 80 times as potent as carbon dioxide over 20 years.
Tengi George-Ikoli, Nigeria Country Manager of the Natural Resource Governance Institute, said the concerns expressed by respondents were justified, particularly in communities affected by oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta.
“Nigerians are right to be concerned about methane emissions and the harm they cause to health, environments and livelihoods,” George-Ikoli said.
Growing Demand for Accountability
Taken together, the survey results point to a Nigerian public that is increasingly focused on the tangible environmental threats affecting daily life — from contaminated water to recurrent flooding — and that expects industry and regulators to act. With support for methane reduction climbing by double digits in two years, the findings suggest that public pressure for cleaner operations and stronger environmental safeguards is likely to keep growing.
