CURBING GAS FLARING IN NIGERIA: LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL RESPONSE
Abstract
Gas flaring is the process of burning off excess natural gas released during the extraction of crude oil. Gas flaring in Nigeria presents a significant environmental, health, and economic challenge, with profound implications for local communities, national policy, and international environmental goals. Despite various legislative and judicial efforts to mitigate this practice, substantial gaps and enforcement issues remain. The aim of this article is to examine the responses of the Federal Government of Nigeria to reduce gas flaring through legislative and judicial mechanisms
Keywords:
Gas flaring, environmental impacts, legislative response, judicial response.Downloads
Published
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13944741Issue
Section
How to Cite
References
Adeoye O, The Role of Pipelines in the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry (Energy Policy Journal, 2019)
Ebeku, K.S., Oil Pipelines and Environmental Management in Nigeria (African Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 2020)
Emeseh, E. Sustainable Development and Oil Pipeline Management in Nigeria (Environmental Law Review, 2019)
Lawrence A. Oil and Gas Prices in Nigeria 2021
Oluwatuyi M and Adeniyi O, Oil Transportation in Nigeria: An Overview of the Pipeline Network (Journal of Petroleum Policy, 2018)
Onuoha, A. Economic Impact of Oil Transportation in Nigeria (Nigerian Journal of Economic Studies, 2020)
Adekunle A, ‘Judicial Review and Remedies: A Critical Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities’ (2019) 54(3) Nigerian Journal of Legal Studies, 201-220.
Adewale A, ‘Judicial Responses to Environmental Challenges in Nigeria’ (2020) 29(3): 145-160.
Agbonifo J. ‘Gas Flaring in the Niger Delta: Effects on the Environment and Local Communities’ (2020) 50(2) African Journal of Ecology, 125-137.
Ajugwo AO, ‘Negative Effects of Gas Flaring: The Nigerian Experience’ (2013) 4(2) Journal of Environmental Pollution and Human Health, 6-8.
Duka O and Orisakwe E, 'Health Implications of Gas Flaring in the Niger Delta: A public health perspective. (2020) 22(1) Nigerian Journal of Clinical Medicine, 45-62.
Ebeku KSA, ‘Judicial Attitudes to Environmental Litigation and Access to Environmental Justice in Nigeria’ (2019) 21(2) African Journal of Environmental Law and Policy, 112-130.
Egbogah E, ‘Legal and Regulatory Framework for Gas Flaring in Nigeria’ (2014) 18(4) Oil and Gas Law Review, 102-115.
Eke B, ‘Economic Consequences of Gas Flaring in Nigeria: Analysis and Policy Recommendations’ (2019) 55(5) Journal of Energy Economics, 315-330.
Emeka, O. 2019. “Environmental Impact of Gas Flaring in Nigeria: An Analysis of Current Trends and Future Directions’ (2019) 39(3) Environmental Science and Policy, 221-238.
Emeseh, E. 2020. ‘Strengthening the Judiciary’s Role in Environmental Governance in Nigeria’ (2020) 37(1) Environmental Law Review, 67-84.
Gas Flaring, Venting, and Methane Emissions (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations of 2023
Ibe K, ‘Building Judicial Capacity for Environmental Protection in Nigeria’ (2018) 15(2) Journal of Judicial Administration, 121-135.
Ikporukpo CO (2015) ‘Gas Flaring Regulation in Nigeria: An Analysis of Legislation and Policy’ (2015) 42(1) Environmental Law Review, 3-21.
Midstream Gas Flare Regulations for 2023
Nduka O and Orisakwe E, 'Health Implications of Gas Flaring in the Niger Delta: A Public Health Perspective’ (2020) 22(1) Nigerian Journal of Clinical Medicine, 45-62.
Nigeria loses N373bn as gas flaring rises 10% in H1 23; https//www.vanguardingr.com/2023/08/Nigeria-losesn373bn-as-gas-flaring-rises-10-in-h123-2/
Nwokocha U, ‘Consistency in Judicial Decisions: The Case of Gas Flaring Litigation in Nigeria’ (2019) 23(3) Nigerian Journal of Environmental Law, 77-94.
O. Ajayi “An Overview of the Extant Gas Flare Regulations in the Nigerian Petroleum Industry” Oil and Gas Newsletters https//www.olaniwunajayi.net/blog/an-overview-of-the-extant-gas-flare-regulations-in-the-nigerian-petroleum-industry/ accessed July 4, 2024
Ogbodo, S. G., ‘Legal Framework for Gas Flaring in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects’ (2020) 67(4) Nigerian Journal of Environmental Law, 102-121.
Oker O, ‘Judicial Remedies and Gas Flaring in Nigeria: A Critical Review’ (2021) 44(4) Nigerian Law Journal, 201-215.
Olowu D, ‘Healthcare Costs and Economic Burden of Gas Flaring in Nigeria’ (2021) 47(3) Journal of Public Health Policy, 201-217.
Onuoha, A. 2020. ‘Enforcement of Environmental Judgments in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects’ (2020) 18(1) Nigerian Journal of Legal Studies, 45-62.
Smith J, ‘Judicial Enforcement of Environmental Regulations in the United States: A Review of Recent Cases’ (2019) 56(3) Environmental Law Reporter, 85-102.
Smith J, 'International Efforts to Curb Gas Flaring: Policies and Practices' (2018) 32(2) Journal of Environmental Law, 112-134.
The 2018 Flare Gas Regulations were revoked by the Gas Flaring, Venting, and Methane Emissions (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations 2023 recently issued by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Ukpoh, C. and Ebiekpe, W. (2018), ‘Historical Perspectives of Gas Flaring in Nigeria: A Socio-Economic and Environmental Review’ (2018) 45(1) Journal of Petroleum Policy, 15-32.
World Bank, “Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR) Annual Report” (2020).
World Health Organization (WHO), “Health Effects of Gas Flaring in Developing Countries: A Comprehensive Review” (2021).
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Annual Statistical Bulletin' (2021)
Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Program (NGFCP), “Program Overview and Progress Report,” (2022)
Federal Ministry of Environment, “Environmental Regulations and Policies on Gas Flaring” (2020)
Nigerian Gas Master Plan (Strategic Framework for Gas Sector Development) (2008)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ‘Clean Air Act Standards and Guidelines for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry’ (2020)
Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Program (NGFCP), 'Program Overview and Progress Report,” (2016)
Petroleum Industry Act of 2021
Petroleum Act of 1969 (Nigeria), Federal Government of Nigeria
Oil Pipelines Act of 1956 (Nigeria), Federal Government of Nigeria.
Associated Gas Re-Injection Act of 1979 (Nigeria), Federal Government of Nigeria
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act of 1992 (Nigeria), Federal Government of Nigeria.
Gbemre v Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd. (2005) AHRLR 151 (NgHC 2005)
The Registered Trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) v. the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2010) AHRLR 96 (NgHC 2010)
Center for Oil Pollution Watch v Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) (2018) AHRLR 104 (NgHC 2018)
Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD), ‘Norway’s Regulatory Framework for Gas Flaring and Venting’ (2021)
Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), ‘Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting’ (2019)