Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator has warned investors developing projects at gas-flaring sites that they risk losing their permits if progress stalls, signalling a tougher push to end routine flaring by 2030.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission said it reviews awarded sites after one year and could revoke permits where progress is inadequate.
“One year after an award has been granted, the Commission conducts an evaluation to determine whether there has been considerable progress,” NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said during a briefing with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo.
“Where there is insufficient progress, the Commission will take appropriate regulatory action, including revocation of the award where necessary,” she added.
Nigeria is accelerating the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), an initiative designed to capture and commercialise gas that would otherwise be burned off at oil production sites, reducing emissions while generating economic value.
Nigeria is accelerating the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), an initiative designed to capture and commercialise gas that would otherwise be burned off at oil production sites, reducing emissions while generating economic value.
Eyesan said 27 of the 43 gas-flaring sites identified under the programme had been awarded to investors, with project development under way.
Nigeria holds more than 215 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, among the largest globally, and sees gas as a key transition fuel for power generation and industrial growth.
Eyesan said stronger enforcement would ensure awarded projects translate into investments, jobs and emissions reductions rather than remain dormant assets.
–Reuters–
