An Examination of the Legislative Framework on Gas Flaring in Nigeria

Abstract

The rapid development of the global oil and gas industry has led to an increase in atmospheric emissions which is detrimental to the wider atmosphere. The flaring of gas during oil exploration and production activities alarmingly contributes to the emission of green-house gases which contribute to climate change. The enactment of legislation with adequate provisions for reducing and eliminating gas flaring from oil and gas activities cannot be over emphasized. Few countries of the world have successfully eliminated the problem of gas flaring through conservation and the enactment of adequate legislation which prescribes stringent sanctions for defaulters. However, Nigeria is an example of a country with inadequate gas flaring laws. The doctrinal methodology was adopted here in this research. Hence, Both primary and secondary sources of materials were used. This paper examined the effectiveness of the legal frame work and regulatory regimes on gas flaring in Nigeria with a view to determining if the phase-out of the problem can be achieved. This paper found out that the provisions of the Associated Gas RE-Injection Act (AGRA) 1979 and its Regulations of 1984, among other laws, are inadequate for regulating and/or eliminating gas flaring. This paper finally recommended developing more effective laws on gas flaring and methods by which the gas being flared can be conserved to ensure a clean and healthy environment in Nigeria, particularly the Niger-Delta.