Oil & Gas

Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator has warned investors developing projects at gas-flaring sites that they could lose their permits if they fail to make sufficient progress. The move signals a tougher regulatory approach as the country seeks to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2030.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said it reviews awarded sites one year after permits are granted to assess the progress of projects. NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said permits could be revoked if investors fail to demonstrate meaningful development.

Nigeria is stepping up efforts under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), which aims to capture and commercialise gas that would otherwise be burned at oil production sites. Of the 43 gas-flaring sites identified under the programme, 27 have been awarded to investors, with development work already under way.

Eyesan said stronger enforcement is intended to ensure that awarded projects result in actual investment, job creation and emissions reductions rather than becoming dormant assets. Nigeria, which has more than 215 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, views gas as an important transition fuel for electricity generation and industrial development.