The House of Representatives has taken a significant step on a bill to prohibit gas flaring, encouraging gas utilisation, and enforcing strict penalties for violations.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos), passed its second reading on Thursday, marking a significant step toward addressing the harmful environmental and economic impacts of gas flaring in Nigeria.
Babajimi, while leading the debate, described the bill as a bold legislative intervention to tackle the long-standing issue of gas flaring. Rooted in Nigeria’s constitutional mandate to protect the environment, the bill seeks to prohibit flaring and venting of natural gas except in emergency or regulated situations. It also aims to harness gas resources for energy production and economic growth.
“The bill provides a robust framework for enforcement, monitoring, and penalties to ensure compliance,” Babajimi said. “It addresses the environmental, health, and economic impacts of gas flaring, aligning Nigeria’s operations with international climate commitments.”
He noted that gas flaring has contributed to severe environmental degradation, public health crises, and economic waste over the years. Communities near flaring sites suffer from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases due to pollutants, while flared gas—valuable for energy or export—goes to waste.
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Key provisions in the bill include mandatory Gas Utilisation Plans by operators, detailing how flared gas will be captured and used. Violations would attract fines of $5 per 1,000 standard cubic feet of gas flared, with repeat offenders facing operational suspensions. Communities affected by flaring would be entitled to compensation and environmental restoration under the proposed framework.
The bill also emphasizes transparency, requiring operators to submit regular reports on flaring incidents. These reports would be audited and made publicly accessible by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, which would oversee implementation.
Rep. Babajimi highlighted international successes, such as Norway’s zero-flaring policy, which has protected the environment and maximised gas revenue. He argued that the bill could help Nigeria replicate such achievements, balancing environmental preservation with economic growth.
The legislation promises numerous benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, improved public health through less air pollution, enhanced electricity generation, and increased job opportunities through gas utilisation projects.
After the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to relevant committees for further deliberation. The proposed law represents a critical response to one of Nigeria’s most urgent environmental challenges, with provisions aimed at creating a sustainable and economically viable future.
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