The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued Permits to Access Flare Gas (PAFG) to 28 successful awardees under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), signalling a major shift from environmental liability to economic opportunity in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of NUPRC, said the 2022 NGFCP permits represent a transition from legacy challenges to market-driven solutions that unlock economic opportunities, strengthen energy security, reduce emissions, and improve operational efficiency across the industry.
Komolafe highlighted that the programme is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by six million tonnes annually, attract approximately US$2 billion in investments, and create over 100,000 jobs nationwide.
“A total of 49 flare sites have been auctioned, with 42 bidders awarded the sites. Between 250 and 300 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd) of currently flared gas will be captured and commercialised, eliminating roughly six million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year,” he explained.
He noted that the initiative is designed to monetise gas resources, support the energy transition, and promote sustainable development in the oil and gas sector.
The NGFCP is expected to provide substantial economic and environmental benefits, transforming previously wasted flare gas into a valuable resource for domestic and industrial use.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the programme continues to drive both environmental sustainability and economic growth for the nation.