Asharami Energy
Asharami Energy, a subsidiary of Sahara Group, has taken a groundbreaking step by joining the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) 2.0. This makes Asharami Energy the first indigenous Nigerian oil and gas operator—and one of the first in Africa—to join this global initiative, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible emissions management.
OGMP 2.0 is the leading global framework for measuring, reporting, and verifying methane emissions in the oil and gas industry. By becoming a member, Asharami Energy gains access to advanced tools that enhance emissions data accuracy, align with global best practices, and implement targeted mitigation strategies. This move is expected to accelerate the company’s efforts in reducing methane emissions, in line with the Global Methane Pledge, which aims to cut global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030.
Leste Aihevba, Chief Technical Officer, Sahara Upstream, described the membership as a transformative step for the company’s sustainability journey.
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“This milestone underscores our voluntary commitment to sustainability and ESG principles. As climate concerns become central to responsible oil and gas operations, we are prioritizing transparency, methane abatement, and operational excellence,” Aihevba stated.
Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, emphasized that Asharami Energy’s OGMP 2.0 membership aligns with the company’s broader sustainability agenda.
“Mitigating methane emissions is crucial for achieving global climate goals. Through OGMP 2.0, Sahara Group is reinforcing its leadership in Africa’s transition to cleaner energy solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable oil and gas sector,” Gray said.
Asharami Energy has outlined a comprehensive methane reduction strategy, leveraging UNEP’s frameworks to improve fugitive emissions measurement and abatement. Aihevba noted that these efforts will ensure Asharami Energy’s operations not only meet but exceed international environmental standards.
Beyond emissions reduction, Asharami Energy is integrating sustainability-driven innovations across its operations. According to Bethel Obioma, Head of Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, joining OGMP 2.0 reflects Sahara’s ongoing commitment to responsible energy production.
“Sahara Group has consistently championed sustainability-driven growth. Our membership in OGMP 2.0 validates our efforts in promoting cleaner energy practices and strengthens our role as a forward-thinking energy conglomerate,” Obioma said.
With operations spanning nine key oil and gas assets in Nigeria, Asharami Energy remains committed to balancing Africa’s energy security needs with the highest environmental and safety standards. Its partnership with UNEP represents a significant step toward achieving its long-term sustainability targets, including Sahara Group’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2060.
Asharami Energy’s membership in OGMP 2.0 signals a shift towards more responsible upstream operations in Africa. By enhancing transparency, collaborating with stakeholders—including host communities—and adopting world-class environmental practices, the company is positioning itself as a leader in the continent’s energy transition.
This development reaffirms Sahara Group’s role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future for Africa’s oil and gas sector.
