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Nigeria’s upstream oil regulator has warned project developers that they risk losing their permits if work stalls at gas-flaring sites, signalling an aggressive push to end routine flaring by 2030.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) evaluates all awarded sites after one year and will revoke licences where progress falls short.
NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan announced the enforcement strategy during a briefing with Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Eyesan emphasised the regulator’s firm stance, stating, “One year after an award has been granted, the Commission conducts an evaluation to determine whether there has been considerable progress. Where there is insufficient progress, the Commission will take appropriate regulatory action, including revocation of the award where necessary.”
The regulatory push supports the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, an initiative aimed at capturing and commercialising gas burnt at oil production sites to cut emissions and boost economic growth.
Eyesan confirmed that investors have already secured 27 of the 43 identified gas-flaring sites, with project development currently underway.
By enforcing these timelines, the regulator aims to transform Nigeria’s 215 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves from dormant assets into active investments, jobs, and clean energy solutions.
