Gas Flaring in Nigeria; Impacts and Remedies

Abstract Nigeria is a country rich in oil reserve yet richer in natural gas deposits. A great percentage of this gas deposit occurs as associate gas; this raises the probability of huge quantities of associate gas being produced during oil exploration. Despite the enormous advantages of associate gas, Nigeria still flares a substantial amount of this valuable natural resources. This paper examines the reasons behind gas flaring in Nigeria. It takes a holistic approach while discussing impacts of gas flaring. It uses a ten year gas flaring estimate by Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation to examine the impacts of gas flaring using this approach, the negative impacts of gas flaring to the environment; on infrastructure, food chain, flora and fauna, relation to global warming is examined. While considering the economic loss due to gas flaring which includes loss in jobs at various stages of gas capture and utilization and also loss in standard of living to gas consumers, in addition negative health impacts to the oil producing communities and facility workers are examined. Finally, various options for gas utilization are considered, their feasibility (technical and economic viability), bearing in mind the peculiarity of the Nigeria oil and gas industry.