Nigeria’s Gas Flaring Losses Rise to 15,400GWh in Five Months Despite Government Crackdown

Nigeria has recorded a sharp increase in gas flaring-related energy losses, with an estimated 15,400 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of potential power generation wasted between January and May 2025. This represents a 17.5 percent rise compared to the 12,700 GWh lost during the same period in 2024, despite renewed efforts by the Federal Government to curb the practice.

The latest data from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) shows that approximately 539.2 million standard cubic feet (mscf) of gas was flared in the first five months of the year. The flared volume amounts to a financial loss of about $154.1 million.

NOSDRA stated that both indigenous and international oil companies (IOCs) were responsible for the flaring. The potential penalties for non-compliance are estimated at $308.1 million, or roughly N318.3 billion, based on current exchange rates.

A breakdown of the figures reveals that onshore operators were responsible for 102.4 mscf of flared gas, nearly double the 51.7 mscf recorded from offshore fields. In environmental terms, the total flaring during the period resulted in the release of approximately 8.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The agency raised concern over the persistence of gas flaring, a practice that has continued since the 1950s, contributing significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the country.

Commenting on future actions, Minister of State for Environment Dr. Iziaq Salako disclosed that NOSDRA is launching a stakeholder engagement campaign focused on methane mitigation and broader emission reduction strategies in the oil and gas sector.

Meanwhile, during the 24th Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implement the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP).

Komolafe warned that oil producers and licensed firms that obstruct national climate action goals would face strict penalties. He noted that sanctions have already been imposed on some companies for failing to fulfill their NGFCP obligations despite repeated engagements.

He emphasized that the era of regulatory leniency was over and stressed the importance of compliance as Nigeria works toward ending routine gas flaring by 2030. He also highlighted the Commission’s efforts over the past year to remove operational barriers and foster investment partnerships that support the country’s gas-driven energy transition.