The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NUPRC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to capture up to 250 million cubic feet of gas flares daily in an effort to reduce emissions in the upstream petroleum sector. The announcement was made by NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, during the 42nd Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) in Lagos.
Nigeria has long grappled with gas flaring—a process in which excess natural gas is burned off during oil production—contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Between 2012 and 2022, the country flared approximately 80 billion standard cubic meters of gas, representing a loss of nearly N9 trillion.
Komolafe emphasized the importance of decarbonization efforts within the sector and highlighted the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme as a critical tool in addressing the issue. “Our target is to capture 250 million cubic feet per day of gas flares and make substantial progress in emission reduction,” he stated.
The NUPRC’s latest initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader goals of mitigating climate impact, reducing economic waste, and fostering energy sustainability. By capturing and utilizing gas that would otherwise be flared, the program aims to transform waste into a valuable resource, supporting the nation’s commitment to sustainable energy practices.
