Nigeria warns flare-gas investors they could lose permits

Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator has warned investors developing projects at gas-flaring sites that they risk losing ​their permits if progress stalls, signalling a tougher ‌push to end routine flaring by 2030.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission said it reviews awarded sites after one year ​and could revoke permits where progress is inadequate.

“One ​year after an award has been granted, the ⁠Commission conducts an evaluation to determine whether there has ​been considerable progress,” NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said ​during a briefing with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo.

“Where there is insufficient progress, the Commission will take appropriate ​regulatory action, including revocation of the award where ​necessary,” she added.

Nigeria is accelerating the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), ‌an ⁠initiative designed to capture and commercialise gas that would otherwise be burned off at oil production sites, reducing emissions while generating economic value.

Eyesan said 27 of the 43 ​gas-flaring sites ​identified under the ⁠programme had been awarded to investors, with project development under way.

Nigeria holds more ​than 215 trillion cubic feet of proven gas ​reserves, ⁠among the largest globally, and sees gas as a key transition fuel for power generation and industrial growth.

Eyesan said ⁠stronger ​enforcement would ensure awarded projects ​translate into investments, jobs and emissions reductions rather than remain dormant assets.