By Ono Yima
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has identified 49 commercially profitable gas flare sites for auction, as part of efforts to halt gas flaring and generate revenue for the government. This was revealed by the Commission’s Chief Executive, Engr Gbenga Komolafe, at the commencement of a two-day National Extractive Dialogue in Abuja.
Komolafe also announced that gas flaring in Nigeria has decreased significantly, from 12% in 2017 to around 9% currently. The National Extractive Dialogue, themed “Gas flare reduction: Catalyst for accelerating Nigeria’s path to net-zero emissions and sustainable development”, aims to address the issue of gas flaring and its impact on the environment. Spaces for Change (S4C) organized the event in collaboration with the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).
Komolafe, represented by Abdul Afeez Balogun, stated that the aim is to achieve greater prosperity for Nigeria by optimally utilizing our natural gas resources as a transition fuel. He emphasized that the Commission is committed to reducing flaring by effectively managing flare production units for all oil and gas facilities. By leveraging transparent policies, effectively implementing the PIA, and fostering interagency collaboration, the Nigerian oil and gas industry aims to reach a net-zero emissions target by 2036, ensuring sustainable development for Nigeria.
The Commission “is intentional about flare reduction through effective administration of flare production units for all oil and gas plant facilities. We believe that through leveraging transparent policies, effective implementation of the PIA, and interagency collaboration, the Nigerian oil and gas industry will achieve a net zero emissions target by 2036 and ensure sustainable development for Nigeria” he said.
Speaking at the event, NEITI Executive Secretary Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji advocated for an open, competitive, and transparent gas flare commercialization program. Represented by NEITI’s Director Technical, Dr. Dieter Bassi, Dr. Orji cited the agency’s latest report, which revealed that 884 million scf was flared in 2011 compared to 249 million scf in 2021.
“The data collected between 2011 and 2021 shows a decline in flaring by 51.27% of the volume of gas flared. Similarly, 129 million scf was utilised in 2011 as compared to 915 million scf in 2021.
“The report revealed that 9.8% of the gas produced and utilized in 2021 was flared while 55% was sold. Data also indicated that gas flare has reduced by about 50% between 2021 and 2020. Though this is a remarkable improvement, we must strive to meet our country’s target of 100% gas flare elimination by 2025 which is just one year away and six years away from the global commitment of 2030”.
Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change, highlighted the devastating effects of gas flaring on host communities, emphasizing its far-reaching socio-economic and environmental consequences.
She noted, “Gas flaring worsens global warming, results in economic losses, and wastes potential power generation resources.” However, she remained optimistic, saying, “It’s within our power to change this narrative. By reducing gas flaring, we can substantially decrease carbon emissions, unlock economic value, and promote sustainable development that benefits all Nigerians.”
HRH King Bubaraye Dakolo of Bayelsa State, speaking on behalf of the affected host communities in the Niger Delta region, made a passionate appeal to operators and the government to take immediate action to compensate the communities for the devastating effects of decades of gas flaring. He emphasized that the prolonged exposure to gas flares has had a profound impact on the lives of the people, and it is now imperative that they receive the compensation they rightfully deserve.