The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued a stern caution to investors who have received flare-site allocations under the national gas flare commercialization initiative to show tangible results or risk losing their permits.
NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan made the disclosure during a visit to Petroleum Resources (Gas) Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo in Abuja, noting that 27 of 43 identified flare sites have been awarded so far, with implementation ongoing.
Eyesan highlighted Nigeria’s vast gas endowment; over 215 trillion cubic feet (TCF) in proven reserves and about 600 TCF in total, as a foundation for power generation, industrialization, exports and economic growth, stressing that commercialization would boost value while curbing flaring-related pollution.
She also reported progress under the Petroleum Industry Act’s Host Community Development Trust framework, with 173 trusts incorporated, 147 funded, more than 1,001 projects underway and over 200 commissioned, contributing to reduced oil theft, fewer spills and improved operator–community relations.
Minister Ekpo urged aggressive implementation of the gas commercialization drive to help Nigeria meet its 2030 target of ending routine gas flaring and shift from environmental harm to productive resource use.
