Nigeria Gas Flaring 2025: $154M Lost and 15,400 GWh Power Wasted Amid Surging Flaring Levels
By DAYO ADESULU
Nigeria lost 15,400 GWh in potential power due to gas flaring between January and May 2025. Explore the environmental and economic impact of Nigeria gas flaring 2025 and how the power generation losses from flared gas are affecting the country.
Alarming Rise in Gas Flaring Despite Climate Promises
Despite repeated commitments by the Federal Government to curb gas flaring, Nigeria continues to struggle with energy waste and environmental degradation. In just the first five months of 2025, gas flaring surged by 17.5% compared to the same period in 2024.
The volume of flared gas reached 539.2 million standard cubic feet (mscf), according to the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). This gas, if captured and utilized, could have powered industries, homes, and hospitals nationwide.
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Power Generation Losses From Flared Gas: A National Setback
January–May 2025 Compared to 2024
Between January and May 2025, Nigeria lost an estimated 15,400 GWh of electricity that could have been generated from the flared gas. In contrast, the country lost 12,700 GWh during the same period in 2024. This marks a critical loss in a nation still battling epileptic power supply.
Carbon Emissions and Power Potential Wasted
Beyond energy loss, flaring released 8.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. This contributes to Nigeria’s rising emissions and intensifies global warming. The wasted gas could have powered thousands of homes while also reducing environmental hazards.
The Financial Toll: $154M Lost in Five Months
Total Volume Flared and Fines Imposed
The monetary value of flared gas during the review period stands at $154.1 million. Defaulting companies—including International Oil Companies (IOCs)—face fines totaling $308.1 million (₦318.3 billion) under Nigeria’s gas flare penalty framework.
However, enforcement of these fines has historically been weak. Many oil producers operate with limited accountability for environmental breaches.
Offshore vs Onshore Flaring Trends
According to NOSDRA, onshore operations were responsible for 102.4 million mscf, a 10% increase over last year. In contrast, offshore operators flared 51.7 million mscf. This pattern indicates that inland facilities are becoming increasingly non-compliant.
NOSDRA’s Concerns: Decades of Environmental Harm
8.2 Million Tonnes of CO₂ in Five Months
Gas flaring in Nigeria has persisted since the 1950s, despite modern technology available to capture or convert it. NOSDRA reiterated that continued flaring releases dangerous gases, including methane, benzene, and carbon dioxide, into Nigeria’s atmosphere.
Poor Enforcement and Corporate Default
The agency notes that weak enforcement mechanisms and limited political will have enabled the problem to continue unabated. Community health, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity continue to suffer as a result.
NGFCP: A $2.5 Billion Solution Waiting to Scale
What the Programme Promises
Nigeria’s flagship Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) is designed to monetize flared gas. If effectively implemented, it can unlock $2.5 billion in investments, boost energy supply, and curb emissions.
Potential Jobs, Revenue, and Energy Efficiency
According to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the programme will:
- Generate massive job opportunities
- Support community development
- Improve energy efficiency
- Attract climate-conscious investors
Expert Opinions and Policy Push From NUPRC
ESG Compliance and Sustainability Goals
NUPRC CEO, Gbenga Komolafe, emphasized the agency’s commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. The commission is embedding sustainability into upstream operations, enforcing methane management, and incentivizing carbon credit frameworks.
Transition to Low-Carbon Oilfield Operations
He highlighted Nigeria’s shift toward a low-carbon economy, backed by incentives for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and eco-conscious upstream practices.
Next Steps: Aligning Enforcement with Opportunity
Methane Mitigation Engagements Begin
The Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with NOSDRA, has started engaging stakeholders on methane reduction strategies. These include:
- Flare reduction roadmaps
- Site inspections
- Emission quantification standards
Pathway to Reducing National Energy Waste
With structured policies, the Nigeria gas flaring 2025 crisis can transition into an economic opportunity—reducing power generation losses from flared gas, lowering emissions, and fostering energy innovation.
Conclusion: Nigeria Must Act Decisively on Flaring
Nigeria’s failure to address gas flaring has environmental, economic, and energy implications. While programmes like NGFCP hold immense promise, stronger enforcement and timely execution are critical.
The time to transition from waste to wealth is now. With over $154 million lost in five months, the need for action has never been more urgent.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does gas flaring continue in Nigeria?
Despite laws and penalties, poor enforcement and limited infrastructure allow flaring to persist.
2. What is the economic impact of flaring?
Nigeria lost $154.1M in five months and potential electricity generation of 15,400 GWh.
3. How much power is Nigeria losing to flaring?
Between January–May 2025, 15,400 GWh were lost—enough to power millions of homes.
4. What is NGFCP and how does it help?
It’s a programme to commercialize flared gas, reduce emissions, and attract $2.5B in investments.
5. What penalties do defaulting oil companies face?
They face fines of $2 per 1,000 scf of flared gas—over $308.1M so far in 2025.
6. What role does NUPRC play in flare reduction?
NUPRC regulates the upstream sector, enforces emissions control, and implements gas recovery plans.
