The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has ramped up real-time flare monitoring via advanced metering infrastructure, issuing over ₦10 billion in fines last year alone, reaffirming its commitment to eradicating routine gas flaring as a pillar of Nigeria’s gas-powered economy by 2030.
Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, NUPRC Chief Executive, met with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, earlier this week, highlighting how this metering-driven enforcement aligns with federal energy goals.
Eyesan emphasised that the advanced infrastructure captures flare data in real time, enabling swift penalties that transform wasted gas into economic value for Nigeria.
Routine gas flaring has long plagued Nigeria’s oilfields, with the country ranking among the world’s top offenders.
In 2024, Nigeria flared over 240 million standard cubic feet of gas daily, according to World Bank data, squandering billions in potential revenue while releasing methane equivalent to millions of tons of CO2 annually.
The practice exacerbates climate change and deprives Nigerians of affordable cooking gas, electricity, and industrial feedstock.
Eyesan’s pledge leverages NUPRC’s enforcement of the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulations 2018 and the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, with metering tech imposing steep penalties on violators.
Key initiatives like the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) now benefit directly, auctioning flare sites to investors for LPG and power generation, backed by precise metering evidence.
The meeting with Minister Ekpo signals stronger regulatory collaboration.
“We are fully synchronised with the President’s gas agenda,” Eyesan stated, pointing to projects like the AKK Gas Pipeline and Train-7 LNG expansion that redirect flared gas to exports and domestic use.
Ekpo praised the progress, citing a 15% flare reduction in Q4 2025 thanks to the metering enforcement. Industry stakeholders applaud the momentum.
“Eliminating flaring unlocks $2.5 billion yearly in value,” said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) in a statement, though challenges like aging infrastructure and Niger Delta security risks remain.
As Nigeria targets net-zero by 2060, NUPRC’s metering-powered fines and anti-flaring push promise to convert gas waste into national prosperity.
alone, marking a game-changer in curbing flaring across upstream operations. ₦10 billion in fines last year
Key initiatives like the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) now benefit directly, auctioning flare sites to investors for LPG and power generation, backed by precise metering evidence.
The meeting with Minister Ekpo signals stronger regulatory collaboration.
“We are fully synchronised with the President’s gas agenda,” Eyesan stated, pointing to projects like the AKK Gas Pipeline and Train-7 LNG expansion that redirect flared gas to exports and domestic use.
Ekpo praised the progress, citing a 15% flare reduction in Q4 2025 thanks to the metering enforcement. Industry stakeholders applaud the momentum.
“Eliminating flaring unlocks $2.5 billion yearly in value,” said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC) in a statement, though challenges like aging infrastructure and Niger Delta security risks remain.
As Nigeria targets net-zero by 2060, NUPRC’s metering-powered fines and anti-flaring push promise to convert gas waste into national prosperity.
SOURCE: Independent
