Gas Flaring Prohibition Bill Passes Second Reading in House of Reps

A Bill seeking to prohibit and enforce laws against gas flaring has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.

The Anti-Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Enforcement) Bill, 2024, is sponsored by Mr. Babajimi Benson.

Leading the debate, the Second Reading of the bill represents a decisive legislative intervention aimed at addressing the longstanding and damaging practice of gas flaring in Nigeria.

“It is firmly rooted in our constitutional obligation to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. The Bill seeks to prohibit the flaring and venting of natural gas, except in strictly regulated circumstances, while encouraging the utilisation of gas resources to foster economic growth and energy generation. It provides a robust framework for enforcement, monitoring, and the imposition of penalties to ensure compliance. Furthermore, the Bill aims to mitigate the environmental, health, and economic impacts of gas flaring, aligning Nigeria’s oil and gas operations with international climate change commitments“. Mr. Benson said.

He said that gas flaring has plagued Nigeria for decades, leading to severe environmental degradation, public health crises, and economic losses.

“Environmentally, it 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. Economically, flaring results in the waste of a valuable resource that could otherwise be harnessed for energy generation or exported to generate revenue,“he said.

He stressed that the Bill was designed to address these issues while bringing Nigeria in line with global standards such as the Paris Agreement on climate change.

“The Bill provides for a comprehensive prohibition of gas flaring except in emergencies or when explicitly authorised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Operators are required to submit and implement Gas Utilisation Plans, detailing how gas that would otherwise be flared will be captured, processed, or commercialised. 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.

“Transparency and accountability are integral to the enforcement framework of this Bill. Operators must submit regular reports on gas flaring incidents, which will be audited and made publicly available by the NUPRC. This approach ensures public oversight and stakeholder engagement, fostering trust and compliance.

“The Bill is expected to yield significant benefits. Environmentally, it will reduce carbon emissions, thereby contributing to Nigeria’s climate targets and promoting sustainability. Economically, it will unlock the potential of natural gas as an energy resource, enhancing electricity generation, supporting industrialisation, and creating jobs. Additionally, the public health benefits cannot be overstated, as reduced flaring will limit air pollution and associated health risks for affected communities.

“International examples underscore the efficacy of similar legislation. Norway’s zero-flaring policy, for instance, has not only protected the environment but also maximised revenue from gas resources. Nigeria’s adoption of this Bill positions the country to emulate such success, ensuring a balance between environmental stewardship and economic development,” he explained.

Mr. Benson concluded that “the implementation of this Bill will be overseen by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, which will monitor compliance through regular audits, enforce penalties, and facilitate gas utilisation 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”.

Confidence Okwuchi