A measure that aims to outlaw gas flaring in Nigeria, guarantee adherence to global norms, and advance environmental sustainability could be scheduled for a second reading on the House of Representatives floor the following week.

The measure, which is being supported by Babajimi Benson, the member for Lagos State’s Ikorodu Federal Constituency, aims to increase the use of natural gas resources in order to boost economic growth and lower carbon emissions.

Launched in 2022, the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme is an ambitious initiative by the Federal Government to achieve 0% normal flaring within ten years.

In addition, the government committed to a national flare-out objective by 2025 and accepted the Paris Climate Change Agreement. It is also a party to the worldwide Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership principles for a worldwide flare-out by 2030.

The “Anti-Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Enforcement) Act, 2024,” a copy of which our reporter was able to get, sought to outlaw natural gas flaring and venting in Nigeria “except in specific, limited circumstances.”

Additionally, it aims to “ensure compliance with Nigeria’s international commitments to reduce carbon emissions and achieve climate change targets as well as provide a clear framework for enforcement, monitoring, and penalties to ensure compliance by operators” and “use associated natural gas for economic development and energy generation.”