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Environmental experts, Engr Charles Deigh and Dr. Caleb Joel Nwaogwugwu have proposed solutions for addressing gas flaring in the Niger Delta.
In separate statements on Sunday, the oil experts highlighted that gas flaring, a significant issue in the region, is contributing to climate change and increasing health risks.
Deigh explained that despite repeated government commitments and the introduction of the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), the issue persists because marginal oil fields typically produce small, scattered volumes of gas that large pipelines and LNG plants cannot economically utilize.
He further asserted that other countries have demonstrated that small-scale gas-to-power plants and micro-LNG facilities can capture waste gas and convert it into electricity, fuel, and jobs. Nigeria needs to adapt these models to its own circumstances.
“Large LNG projects require consistent, high-volume flows, and marginal fields cannot provide that. What they can support are modular technologies, such as micro-LNG plants that liquefy between 5–50 million standard cubic feet per day for transport to power plants, factories, or export hubs,” Deigh stated.
“Additionally, small gas-to-power plants can be located near host communities, supplying mini-grids and industrial clusters.”
“These models offer three significant advantages: Lower costs; modular plants reduce initial capital investment and shorten payback periods.
“Flexibility; units can scale with production, preventing stranded assets. Community benefits; local power generation creates jobs, decreases blackouts, and enhances relations with host communities—thereby reducing sabotage risks,” Deigh added.
He also emphasized that “technology alone cannot eliminate flaring. Investors require certainty, and Nigeria must provide it. Three urgent steps are needed: Regulatory efficiency: Streamline licensing, tariffs, and permits. Bureaucratic hurdles undermine deals.
“Demand security; assure off-takers—such as distribution companies, industries, and mini-grids—through predictable pricing and risk-sharing frameworks.
“Aggregation models; consolidate gas from nearby fields into centralized mini-LNG or power plants, which reduces costs and attracts serious investors.
“If these enablers align, the NGFCP can finally transition from mere promises on paper to tangible projects,” he concluded.
On his part, Dr. Caleb Joel Nwaogwugwu, another expert in the oil sector, stated, “Gas flaring is not inevitable. It is a result of neglect.”
“Nigeria possesses the technology, the workforce, and the policies to eliminate it. What is lacking is a sense of urgency.”
According to him, Nigeria must decide whether to “continue burning its wealth into the atmosphere or convert that wasted energy into sustainable prosperity.”
“With political will, regulatory reform, and bold investments in small-scale solutions, the Niger Delta can transform from flare to fortune,” Caleb asserted.
FAQ
What is gas flaring and why is it a problem?
Gas flaring is the burning of natural gas associated with oil extraction. It poses significant environmental challenges, contributing to climate change and health risks for nearby communities.
What solutions do experts propose for gas flaring in Nigeria?
Experts suggest implementing small-scale gas-to-power plants and micro-LNG facilities, improving regulatory efficiency, ensuring demand security, and using aggregation models to effectively manage gas resources.
Can Nigeria eliminate gas flaring?
Yes, with the right technology, workforce, policies, and a sense of urgency, Nigeria can effectively eliminate gas flaring and convert that wasted energy into sustainable prosperity.
