Reforming legal frameworks for combating gas flaring in Nigeria: A comparative legal analysis and sustainable solutions

Abstract

Nigeria, the seventh-largest oil producer, faces significant challenges from gas flaring, impacting the environment, economy, and public health. Recent assessments reveal that Nigeria suffers significant annual economic setbacks due to gas flaring, with estimated losses ranging between NGN 500 billion and NGN 700 billion. These losses extend beyond the mere dissipation of valuable hydrocarbon assets; they also incorporate the cumulative costs of environmental degradation, increased public health liabilities, and missed opportunities for revenue generation through alternative gas utilisation. The enormity of this economic toll accentuates the urgent necessity for comprehensive legal and policy interventions. It further validates the empirical relevance and policy significance of this study, which seeks to advance sustainable regulatory responses to gas flaring in Nigeria. This study assesses Nigeria’s legal framework for addressing gas flaring, identifying challenges, opportunities, and future directions for fostering cleaner and more sustainable practices. It examines both national and international legal frameworks, comparing Nigeria’s anti-gas flaring laws with those of other oil-producing nations, including Norway, the US, and Russia. Findings reveal that Nigeria lacks a customised, enforceable legal framework aligned with international conventions like the Kyoto Protocol, UNFCCC, and the Paris Agreement. Despite its substantial gas reserves, Nigeria continues to experience environmental degradation and economic losses. Key findings reveal weak regulatory enforcement, inadequate gas infrastructure, and limited sanctions, all of which hinder effective legislative implementation. The study underscores the urgent need for robust legislation and recommends adoption of international standards from the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement to combat gas flaring. Policy recommendations include stricter sanctions, stronger enforcement, stakeholder engagement, use of advanced gas capture technologies, and international collaborations. These measures are essential to mitigate gas flaring, reduce climate change impacts, and advance sustainable development in Nigeria.