The House of Representatives has passed the Anti-Gas Flaring Bill, aimed at prohibiting flaring except under strictly regulated conditions. Sponsored by Hon. Babajimi Benson, the bill seeks to mitigate environmental, health, and economic impacts while promoting gas utilization for growth and energy generation. It establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework with penalties for violators and provisions for community compensation.
The House of Representatives has successfully advanced the Anti-Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Enforcement) Bill, which seeks to end the practice of flaring and venting natural gas, except under strictly controlled conditions. Introduced by Hon. Babajimi Benson, the bill emphasizes the need for utilizing Nigeria’s gas resources to drive economic growth and enhance energy production. In his remarks during the plenary debate, Benson highlighted the framework for enforcement and monitoring established by the bill to ensure adherence.
Benson noted that gas flaring has been a longstanding challenge for Nigeria, resulting in severe environmental degradation, significant public health issues, and economic setbacks. The burning of gas not only heightens greenhouse gas emissions and climate change dynamics, but also adversely affects respiratory and cardiovascular health among nearby populations. He pointed out that utilizing these gas resources could facilitate energy production and yield revenue from exports, which the bill aims to promote while aligning with international climate agreements such as the Paris Accord.
The proposed legislation establishes a comprehensive ban on gas flaring, allowing exceptions only during emergencies or with prior authorization from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Operators will be mandated to create and execute Gas Utilization Plans that describe how flared gas will be captured and processed effectively. The bill stipulates that violators will incur severe penalties, including fines of $5 per 1,000 standard cubic feet of gas flared and the risk of operational suspension for repeat offenses.
Furthermore, it ensures that communities impacted by gas flaring can receive compensation and restoration of their environmental conditions. A transparency mechanism will allow for regular reporting on flaring incidents, which will be audited and made accessible to the public through the NUPRC. This provision aims to engage stakeholders and enhance trust in the regulatory process.
Benson expressed confidence that the legislation will significantly benefit both the environment, through reduced carbon emissions and alignment with climate targets, and the economy, by optimizing natural gas utilization for energy generation, industrialization, and job creation. The NUPRC will oversee the bill’s implementation, closely monitoring compliance and facilitating collaboration with industry operators.
In partnership with the Ministry of Environment and other agencies, the NUPRC will also ensure environmental monitoring and remediation as necessary, thereby fostering holistic oversight of gas flaring policies in Nigeria.
Gas flaring has been a critical issue in Nigeria for decades, primarily arising from oil extraction processes. The practice not only wastes a valuable natural resource but also leads to environmental and health crises, significantly affecting local populations. This situation has prompted the need for effective legislation to regulate gas flaring in alignment with global standards, particularly in light of climate change challenges. The Anti-Gas Flaring Bill aims to provide a framework for prohibition and enforcement that addresses these concerns while promoting economic growth through sustainable gas utilization.
The Anti-Gas Flaring Bill represents a significant legislative effort to address the persistent environmental and economic challenges posed by gas flaring in Nigeria. By prohibiting flaring except under regulated circumstances and establishing a robust enforcement framework, the bill seeks to align Nigeria’s gas operations with international climate commitments. Through this legislation, there is potential for enhancing energy generation, improving public health, and fostering economic resilience, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future for Nigeria.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
