Despite renewed efforts by the Federal Government to tackle gas flaring Nigeria witnessed a sharp increase in gas-related losses during the first five months of 2025. According to a recent report by the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency NOSDRA the nation lost 15400 gigawatt hours GWh of electricity generation potential due to flaring a staggering 17.5% rise from the 12700 GWh recorded during the same period in 2024.
The gas flared totaling 539.2 million standard cubic feet mscf has been valued at $154.1 million. NOSDRA also noted that the companies responsible including major international oil companies IOCs are liable to pay fines of $308.1 million approximately ₦318.3 billion.
The report revealed that onshore operators accounted for the majority of the flaring with 102.4 mscf flared compared to 51.7 mscf from offshore operations. The total flared volume contributed an estimated 8.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere worsening Nigeria’s climate impact.
Gas flaring has persisted in Nigeria since the 1950s despite decades of advocacy and intervention. NOSDRA expressed concern that the practice continues to undermine environmental and public health safety.
Minister of State for Environment Dr. Iziaq Salako announced plans to engage stakeholders on methane mitigation and long term gas reduction strategies. Meanwhile Gbenga Komolafe CEO of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission NUPRC emphasized the country’s commitment to curbing emissions through the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme NGFCP.
Komolafe stated that the NGFCP could unlock up to $2.5 billion in new investments while simultaneously generating jobs and boosting government revenue. Key strategies include promoting carbon capture enforcing sustainability goals and ensuring host communities benefit from oil sector operations.
With Nigeria striving for a lower carbon future the continued rise in gas flaring presents a serious challenge one that demands urgent enforcement of regulations corporate accountability and investment in green alternatives.
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