Nigeria targets end to routine gas flaring by 2030 under new gas-centred strategy

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2030 and reduce methane emissions by 60% by 2031 under a gas-focused energy transition plan, Nairametrics has reported. 

According to the news outlet, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has introduced a new gas-centred strategy aimed at addressing gas flaring and methane emissions, marking a significant shift in national energy and environmental policy. NUPRC Chief Executive Gbenga Komolafe announced the strategy during the 24th Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week in Abuja, outlining plans to decarbonise the upstream sector and leverage Nigeria’s substantial gas reserves for both economic and environmental benefits.

The strategy is anchored on three major initiatives: the Decade of Gas, the Nigeria Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), and the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative. These programmes aim to reduce emissions while encouraging investment, job creation, and industrial development. Komolafe described gas as a transitional fuel critical to achieving energy security, industrialisation, and climate goals.

Supporting the new approach is the Upstream Decarbonisation Framework, which includes emissions monitoring, measurement and verification (MRV) systems, carbon capture technologies, and mechanisms to access climate finance through carbon markets. These measures are designed to foster a climate-conscious investment environment.

According to NUPRC, the NGFCP alone could attract up to $2.5bn in investment, generate government revenue, and create employment. The initiative focuses on monetising flare gas, a long-standing environmental issue in oil-producing regions of Nigeria.