By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced its ambitious plan to eliminate gas flaring by the year 2030. This declaration was made by Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive Officer of NUPRC, during his keynote address at the 8th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference in Lagos.

Komolafe outlined NUPRC’s proactive role in leading the national initiative to achieve zero-flare status by 2030, with a broader aim of attaining net zero carbon emissions by 2060. This formidable objective will be pursued through various initiatives, including the Nigeria Gas-Flare Commercialisation Programme.

While underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to environmental stewardship, Komolafe referenced data from the European Union’s Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research, highlighting Nigeria’s relatively low ranking as the 165th global emitter. Nonetheless, he stressed Nigeria’s unwavering dedication to further reducing emissions.

During the conference, Komolafe addressed the persistent issue of gas flaring in Nigeria, acknowledging significant levels of flaring occurring across various states. Despite concerns raised by electricity-generating companies about gas scarcity, gas flaring continues during oil extraction processes.

Highlighting Nigeria’s potential as a regional powerhouse, Komolafe emphasized its strategic geopolitical importance, sizable market, youthful population, and abundant natural resources. However, he emphasized the imperative of effectively addressing challenges and leveraging strengths to realize this potential fully.

In his closing remarks, Komolafe urged conference participants to consider the event as a catalyst for enhanced collaboration and regional integration. He underscored the importance of unlocking Nigeria’s vast opportunities and collectively working towards a sustainable and prosperous future.