Nigeria takes major step towards ending gas flaring as bill passes second reading

December 07, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

A landmark bill aimed at prohibiting gas flaring and promoting gas utilization in Nigeria has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Babajimi Benson, the member representing Ikorodu federal constituency of Lagos State, the bill seeks to mitigate the environmental, health, and economic impacts of gas flaring.

Gas flaring has plagued Nigeria for decades, leading to severe environmental degradation, public health crises, and economic losses.

The practice contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and acid rain, exacerbating climate challenges.

Public health impacts are equally dire, as pollutants from gas flaring cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among residents of communities close to flaring sites.

The bill provides for a comprehensive prohibition of gas flaring, except in emergencies or when explicitly authorized by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Operators are required to submit and implement Gas Utilization Plans, detailing how gas that would otherwise be flared will be captured, processed, or commercialized.

Offenders who violate these provisions face stringent penalties, including fines of $5 per 1,000 standard cubic feet of gas flared and potential suspension of operations for repeat violations.

Furthermore, the bill ensures that communities affected by gas flaring are entitled to compensation and environmental restoration, creating a mechanism for redress.

The implementation of this bill will be overseen by the NUPRC, which will monitor compliance through regular audits, enforce penalties, and facilitate gas utilization projects in collaboration with operators and development partners.

The Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies will also play a supporting role, particularly in monitoring the environmental impact and ensuring remediation where necessary.

If passed into law, this bill is expected to yield significant benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, improved public health, and increased economic opportunities. Nigeria’s adoption of this bill positions the country to emulate the success of countries like Norway, which has implemented a zero-flaring policy to protect the environment and maximize revenue from gas resources.