The House of Representatives has approved the Anti-Gas Flaring Bill to prohibit gas flaring and venting, except under specific circumstances. Sponsored by Hon. Babajimi Benson, the bill aims to combat environmental degradation, health issues, and economic waste associated with gas flaring. It establishes enforcement mechanisms, mandates gas utilization plans, and ensures community compensation, promoting compliance with international climate agreements.
The House of Representatives has advanced the Anti-Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Enforcement) Bill, which aims to outlaw the flaring and venting of natural gas under strictly defined conditions. Sponsored by Hon. Babajimi Benson, the legislation intends to promote the utilization of gas resources to enhance economic development and energy production. During Thursday’s plenary debate, Benson highlighted the importance of establishing a strong framework for enforcement, monitoring, and penalties to ensure adherence to the law.
The bill addresses the severe environmental, health, and economic repercussions associated with gas flaring in Nigeria. Mr. Benson pointed out that gas flaring has been an ongoing issue for decades, resulting in grave environmental harm, public health crises, and considerable economic losses. Environmentally, it significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating issues such as global warming and acid rain. The health impacts are alarming, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly among individuals residing near flaring zones.
Furthermore, the proposed legislation aims to recover valuable gas resources that would otherwise be wasted, thereby promoting energy generation and potential exports to increase revenue. The bill envisions a comprehensive ban on gas flaring, permitting exceptions only in emergencies or with explicit authorization from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Operators are mandated to devise and execute Gas Utilization Plans, detailing strategies for capturing, processing, or commercializing gas that is at risk of being flared. “Offenders who violate these provisions face stringent penalties, including fines of $5 per 1,000 standard cubic feet of gas flared and potential suspension of operations for repeated violations,” explained Mr. Benson. Moreover, the legislation guarantees compensation and environmental restoration to communities adversely impacted by gas flaring, thereby establishing a mechanism for redress.
Transparency and accountability are crucial elements of the enforcement framework. Operators are required to submit regular reports on gas flaring incidents, which the NUPRC will audit and make publicly accessible, fostering public trust and compliance. Mr. Benson anticipates that the legislation will yield significant benefits, leading to reduced carbon emissions, thereby aiding Nigeria in achieving its climate objectives and promoting sustainability. Economically, the bill is set to unlock the potential of natural gas as an energy resource, enhancing electricity generation, supporting industrialization, and creating job opportunities.
The NUPRC will oversee compliance through routine audits, enforcement of penalties, and promotion of gas utilization projects in partnership with industry operators and development partners. The Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies will provide support by monitoring environmental impacts and ensuring necessary remediation measures are taken.
Gas flaring has long been a contentious issue in Nigeria, adversely affecting the environment and public health, while simultaneously squandering a potentially lucrative resource. The practice has resulted in significant emissions contributing to climate change, alongside causing severe health issues for local communities. In response to these challenges and to align with international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement, government initiatives aimed at regulating and eliminating gas flaring have been introduced. These measures are seen as essential for promoting sustainable energy practices and protecting local populations from the harmful consequences of gas flaring activities.
The passage of the Anti-Gas Flaring Bill by the House of Representatives represents a pivotal step toward addressing the ongoing environmental, health, and economic crises associated with gas flaring in Nigeria. Through stringent regulations, penalties, and an emphasis on community restoration, the bill aims to foster a more sustainable and accountable approach to gas resource management. The commitment to aligning Nigeria’s practices with global standards exemplifies a significant move towards enhanced environmental responsibility and economic growth, benefiting both the ecosystem and local communities in the long term.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
