The House has passed the Anti-Gas Flaring Bill, prohibiting natural gas flaring except under regulated conditions. Sponsored by Hon. Babajimi Benson, the bill aims to mitigate environmental, health, and economic impacts, aligning Nigeria with international climate commitments. It establishes strict enforcement measures, requiring operators to submit Gas Utilisation Plans and provides penalties for violations, while ensuring compensation for affected communities.
The House of Representatives has successfully moved forward with the Anti-Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Enforcement) Bill, largely aimed at curtailing the practice of gas flaring and venting of natural gas, save for strictly regulated instances. Hon. Babajimi Benson, the sponsor of the legislation, indicated during the plenary that the Bill not only addresses environmental concerns but also emphasizes the economic utilization of gas resources to bolster growth and energy generation in Nigeria. The proposed bill establishes a rigorous enforcement framework alongside penalties to ensure adherence to its provisions.
During the debate, Mr. Benson emphasized the necessity of this bill in mitigating the negative ramifications associated with gas flaring, which has plagued Nigeria for numerous decades. He highlighted not only the environmental degradation caused by gas flaring, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to global warming, but also the adverse public health outcomes, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases affecting nearby communities. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of preventing the waste of a valuable resource that can be harnessed for energy production and potential exportation.
The bill stipulates a comprehensive prohibition against gas flaring, permitting exceptions solely in emergencies or under specific approval from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). It demands that gas operators submit detailed Gas Utilisation Plans focusing on the capture, processing, or commercialization of gas that would otherwise be flared. Mr. Benson elucidated, “Offenders who violate these provisions face stringent penalties, including fines of $5 per 1,000 standard cubic feet of gas flared and potential suspension of operations for repeat violations.”
Additionally, the framework establishes rights for communities negatively impacted by gas flaring, including entitlements to compensation and initiatives focused on environmental restoration. Transparency and accountability are to be prioritized, with operators required to furnish regular reports concerning gas flaring incidents. Such reports will undergo auditing and be made publicly accessible by the NUPRC, thereby ensuring public engagement and oversight.
The anticipated benefits of the bill include a significant reduction in carbon emissions, aiding in Nigeria’s climate objectives, and unlocking the full potential of natural gas as an energy resource, thereby enhancing electricity generation, promoting industrial activity, and creating employment opportunities. The NUPRC will oversee the implementation of the bill, conducting compliance monitoring and enforcing penalties, while the Ministry of Environment will assist in evaluating environmental impacts and remediation actions where necessary.
Gas flaring has long been a controversial practice in Nigeria, primarily due to its severe environmental implications and the associated public health crises it instigates. The flaring of gas occurs when natural gas associated with petroleum extraction is burned off as a waste product. This practice leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change, and contributes to acid rain. In addition to environmental concerns, the health risks posed to communities situated near flaring sites are profound, with increased incidences of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The Anti-Gas Flaring Bill is a legislative effort to address these urgent issues, aiming to align Nigeria’s practices with international climate commitments, including compliance with agreements like the Paris Accord, while also promoting sustainable economic development through effective resource management.
In summary, the passage of the Anti-Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Enforcement) Bill represents a critical step towards addressing the multifaceted crises arising from gas flaring in Nigeria. By mandating the regulation of gas flaring exceptions and enforcing strict penalties for non-compliance, the bill seeks to mitigate environmental and health risks while unlocking economic potential within the gas sector. The measures to ensure transparency and community compensation further enhance the bill’s framework, ultimately aligning Nigeria’s oil and gas operations with global environmental standards and promoting sustainable development.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
