Critical Review on the Environmental Impact of Gas Flaring in Nigeria

Gas flaring, the burning of natural gas that accompanies crude oil extraction, is a practice that has persisted for decades in Nigeria. Despite efforts to curtail it, Nigeria remains one of the top gas-flaring countries in the world. This issue not only damages the environment but also represents a loss of potential economic value. 

In this review by Oil and Gas expert, Bayode Ogidan, who has been in the field for two decades, explore the environmental consequences of gas flaring, delve into the factors driving this practice, examine its economic effects, and propose possible solutions.

“Despite a decline in oil production from some fields, gas flaring remains a significant issue in some facilities. While some measures have been implemented, loopholes persist. The government’s continued reliance on oil may have hindered stricter enforcement of regulations.”

“I’ve worked on oil production platforms with gas flares. The flare area is very hot and isolated, often accessed only for maintenance or process upsets. Some older facilities require re-ignition using a flare gun. This process can be hazardous due to the height of the flare stack (10-100 meters) and the potential for missed ignition attempts.

“Over the decade I’ve been going offshore, I’ve noticed a decline in fishermen in a local Akwa Ibom community. Initially, there were many fishing boats, but now their numbers have dwindled. Due to climate change and increased oil production, fishing is less profitable. The marine life and ecosystem in these areas have been affected by the constant heat generated by the flares,” he was quoted in a recent conversation. 

Discussing environmental Impacts of Gas Flaring includes. Ogidan mentioned air pollution and health concerns.

According to him, gas flaring releases harmful gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which degrade air quality. Communities living near flaring sites are at a heightened risk of respiratory problems and long-term diseases like cancer, preterm births, pediatric asthma, exacerbate pulmonary problems, and form smog, which is linked to cardiovascular, nervous system, and reproductive health issues. Some of the gas burned in flares like benzene are known carcinogens linked to birth defects.. The continuous burning releases toxins that people inhale daily, contributing to health crises that strain the local healthcare system and reduce quality of life.

Climate change contributions – the gases emitted during flaring are major contributors to climate change. Methane, for example, is much more potent than CO₂ in trapping heat in the atmosphere. The resulting greenhouse effect leads to global warming, altering rainfall patterns and causing extreme weather events that hit vulnerable populations the hardest. As one of the largest gas-flaring countries, Nigeria contributes to a problem that could destabilize ecosystems and harm the livelihoods of millions.

Acid rain and agriculture – the release of sulfur and nitrogen oxides from flaring causes acid rain, which harms the soil, reducing its fertility. For farmers in the Niger Delta, where gas flaring is most rampant, this means lower crop yields and a threat to food security. Contaminated water sources and damaged farmlands directly affect local economies that depend on agriculture.

Loss of biodiversity – the heat and pollution from gas flaring also damage nearby ecosystems. Wildlife, plants, and aquatic life suffer as their habitats are destroyed or polluted. This disruption can lead to the loss of species that are critical for maintaining a healthy and balanced environment, further threatening both local biodiversity and the well-being of communities dependent on these ecosystems for sustenance.

On why gas flaring persists, Ogidan said Inadequate Infrastructure a key reason for continued flaring is the lack of infrastructure to capture and use the gas. Pipelines, processing plants, and storage facilities are either underdeveloped or nonexistent in many oil extraction areas. Without the means to transport and utilize the gas, oil companies flare it off as the cheapest option. In the long term, this lack of investment stifles the potential for cleaner, more efficient energy use.

“Weak Regulations and Enforcement 

While Nigeria has laws against gas flaring, enforcement has been inconsistent. Regulations are often lenient, and companies that flare gas face only minimal fines, which are too small to discourage the practice. Oil companies may also receive legal exemptions, allowing them to continue flaring without meaningful consequences. The lack of stringent enforcement leaves room for continued environmental damage.

“Economic Priorities of Oil Companies  

Extracting and selling crude oil remains more profitable for oil companies than capturing and utilizing the gas. Developing gas infrastructure requires substantial investment, and many companies find it more economical to flare the gas instead. This prioritization of profits over sustainability perpetuates the environmental and economic losses associated with gas flaring.

“Economic Impacts of Gas Flaring includes: Wasted economic resources – gas flared represents a significant economic resource that could be utilized for energy generation, both for domestic consumption and export. Nigeria loses billions of dollars each year by burning off this valuable resource instead of harnessing it for electricity, industrial use, or export as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Gas that could power homes, industries, and transportation is wasted in the skies above oil fields.

“Economic hardship for local communities like in the Niger Delta bear the brunt of the economic fallout from gas flaring. With farmlands damaged, water sources polluted, and health conditions deteriorating, local residents struggle to make a living. Fishing and farming, once vibrant sectors in the region, have been devastated by environmental degradation, driving many into poverty.

“Healthcare costs – the health impacts of gas flaring have financial implications as well. Illnesses linked to air pollution, such as respiratory problems and cancer, increase healthcare costs for families and burden the country’s medical system. The loss of productivity due to these health issues also dampens economic growth in affected regions.

In his submissions, Ogidan believes solutions can be proffered through Improved Regulation and Stronger Penalties. 

“The Nigerian government needs to reinforce its regulations on gas flaring, with stricter penalties for violations. Higher fines and stronger enforcement could pressure oil companies to invest in alternative methods of gas disposal or utilization. Eliminating legal loopholes that permit continued flaring would also send a clear message that environmental degradation will no longer be tolerated.

“Investment in gas utilization infrastructure developing the infrastructure necessary to capture and process associated gas is key to reducing flaring. Building pipelines, processing plants, and gas storage facilities would enable the country to utilize the gas for domestic power generation, which could also help alleviate Nigeria’s energy crisis. This investment would also unlock the potential for gas export, providing a significant economic boost.

“Promoting Domestic Energy Solutions  

 Instead of flaring gas, Nigeria should prioritize its use in generating electricity and powering industries. Expanding gas-to-power projects would not only reduce flaring but also address the country’s electricity shortage. Leveraging natural gas as a cleaner energy source could reduce Nigeria’s reliance on dirtier fuels like diesel and coal, thus lowering overall emissions.

“Community Engagement and Awareness  Empowering local communities through education and involvement in decision-making processes is crucial. If communities are aware of the long-term impacts of gas flaring and are part of the conversation about solutions, there will be more pressure on oil companies and the government to act. Additionally, involving local stakeholders in benefiting from gas-related projects could create incentives to support more sustainable practices.”

He concluded that gas flaring in Nigeria continues to pose significant environmental and economic challenges. While efforts have been made to curb the practice, gaps in infrastructure, regulatory enforcement, and economic priorities have allowed it to persist. Addressing these issues through stronger regulations, investment in gas infrastructure, and community involvement is essential to mitigating the harmful impacts of gas flaring. By harnessing the potential of associated gas, Nigeria could not only reduce its environmental footprint but also unlock new economic opportunities that benefit both local communities and the nation as a whole.