“Gas flaring should take the same punishment as robbery and murder cases”
The House of Representatives has expressed grave concerns over the persistent non-compliance with safety standards governing gas flaring operations in oil-producing communities, despite the existence of regulatory frameworks meant to protect lives, the environment, and livelihoods.
This is as it urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to intensify monitoring and enforcement of safety measures to ensure strict adherence to established safety standards.
The House also urged the federal ministry of environment to assess the environmental and health impacts of gas flaring in oil-producing areas and recommend appropriate remediation measures.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion raised by Rep. Harrison Anozie Nwadike (APC, Imo) who noted the critical role of the NUPRC in enforcing health, safety, and environmental standards as stipulated under the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution Regulations), 2018, and the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.
He said “the regulations mandate producers and permit holders in connection with flare gas to adopt operational safety measures to minimize the negative impact of gas flaring, including limits on heat, smoke, and noise, while ensuring the operational safety and health of individuals at gas flare sites.”
Nwadike highlighted that, despite these frameworks, gas flaring remains a persistent issue, with devastating consequences for the health and well-being of communities in oil-producing regions.
He pointed out findings from the ad-hoc committee on gas flaring, which revealed widespread non-compliance with operational safety standards, resulting in environmental degradation, socioeconomic hardship, and alarming health challenges.
He expressed concerns that the lack of adherence to operational safety standards, including limits to heat, smoke, and noise generation, has continued to expose workers and nearby residents to severe health risks such as respiratory diseases, increased rate of tonsillitis infection in children, cardiovascular issues, and increased cancer risks due to prolonged exposure to toxic emissions.
He further raised concerns over the inadequate enforcement and monitoring of these safety standards by relevant authorities, leading to a culture of impunity among oil and gas operators.
Nwadike warned that prioritising profits over safety continues to endanger the lives of workers and residents, while worsening the already precarious environmental conditions in oil-producing communities.
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Rep. Mark Esset (PDP Akwa Ibom), in his contribution said that the motion is people sensitive, as gas flaring is life threatening and should be supported.
“When you talk of gas flaring, Niger Delta is the worst hit. It’s very disheartening that in the 21st century it is unfortunate that we are still flaring gas”. He added that gas flaring should take the same punishment as robbery and murder cases.
Also speaking, chairman house committee on environment Rep. Pondi Gbabojor (PDP Delta), noted that gas flaring is very disheartening. He emphasized that there must be thorough monitoring as most communities in Niger Delta no longer have land to farm, even the air is very bad.
Adopting the motion, the House mandated the committee on safety, standards and regulations, environment and climate change to conduct an investigative hearing on the level of compliance with the Flare Gas (Prevention of Waste and Pollution) Regulation, 2018, by oil and gas operators, with a focus on protecting affected communities.
STAR Check: Nigerians, particularly, constituents of Nkwerre/Isu/Nwangele/Njaba Federal Constituency, can keep tabs on the legislative performance of Rep. Nwadike throughout the 10th House here
