In the realm of environmental and economic challenges, Nigeria finds itself grappling with a persistent menace – the alarming escalation of gas flaring. Despite stringent penalties imposed on defaulting companies, the volume of flared gas continues to surge, exacting a substantial toll on the nation’s economy and environment.
Data from the Nigerian Oil Spill Monitor, a division of the Nigerian Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), reveals a disheartening truth. In the first half of 2023, the volume of gas flared surged by 9.1%, when compared with the figures from the same period in 2022. The consequence? A staggering emission volume of 7.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2), equivalent to approximately US$485.3 million.
Translating these figures into the local currency using the I&E window rate, Nigeria is confronted with the grim reality of having lost about ₦373 billion during this six-month period alone. This disheartening scenario continues to deepen, as further assessments indicate that the overall losses in 2022 ranged from US$761.2 million to US$893.1 million.
Even though the Federal Government has levied substantial penalties on oil and gas companies, the trend of increasing gas flaring has not abated. Between January and April 2023, oil and gas companies operating within Nigeria flared a staggering 92.3 million standard cubic feet (SCF) of gas – an act valued at an estimated ₦150.8 billion.
These disheartening figures starkly contrast with the penalties that were meant to deter such actions. In April alone, defaulting companies were expected to pay penalties amounting to $184.6 million, equivalent to ₦85.7 billion. Yet, even as the penalties are collected, the underlying problem persists.
Despite numerous commitments to eliminate gas flaring, Nigeria has remained entrenched within the ignominious list of top global gas flaring nations. The government’s efforts to curb this menace are overshadowed by the challenging reality that the practice persists, accompanied by its alarming toll on the nation’s economic and environmental stability.
The time has come for Nigeria to confront this pressing issue with renewed vigor. Implementing stricter penalties and regulations, fostering innovation in gas utilization, and incentivizing greener energy alternatives are critical steps forward. While the road to curbing gas flaring might be challenging, the implications of inaction far outweigh the cost of proactive measures. The nation’s environment and economy are at stake, and it’s imperative that we collectively address this costly conundrum.
