COP26: Why companies need to be made to reduce gas flaring in Nigeria

Gas flaring has become a major problem in Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region hosting multinational companies, with rural communities most affected by the non-stop gas flaring that releases greenhouse gases daily, affecting humans and causing climate change.

Research shows people living in gas-flaring communities are 1.75 times more likely to be hypertensive than persons resident in communities without gas flaring.

Despite knowing the impact of greenhouse gases, giant multinationals like the subsidiary of British Shell, Eni and Total E&P have long continued flaring gas in Nigeria, ignoring locals’ concerns.

An example of flaring in Nigeria. Picture: Bright Abali

In April, the World Bank ranked Nigeria among the top seven countries producing 45 per cent of world oil yearly, and 65 per cent of global gas flaring.

Nigerian law prohibits companies from flaring gas unless permission is given, and a fine pecked at $2 per 1,000 cubics for companies that produce 10,000 barrels per day, and $0.5 per 1,000 for companies that flare below 10,000 barrels.

"For the past 49 years, there has been uninterrupted gas flaring by British Shell that has not stopped one second in OML 11 Etche, which has affected our source of livelihood and our environment," says Gashon Bobmanuel, an indigene of Etche.

The Okoragu community in Etche town of Rivers State is among numerous communities suffering from persistent gas emission in OML 11 once ruled by the Royal Dutch Shell.

Investigative journalist Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi

Multiple reports revealed the impact of gas flaring in remote communities, with polluters and the government showing a lackadaisical attitude to the environment despite multiple protests by youth.

An Investigative piece I worked on revealed how Agip’s constant gas flaring affected locals and was responsible for premature new-born delivery. Companies like Total E&P and Exxon Mobil continued to flare gas without minding the impact.

Gas exploration in 2012 occurred from Total's pipeline, destroying farmlands, water and ecosystems. Scientific analysis shows drinking water is still polluted, but still the company never fulfilled the compensation that was agreed.

Bright Abali, a spokesperson for Ogba town, said the most difficult season of gas flaring was the period when the flare turns lemon coloured, adding: "It is when the gas turns lemon in colour, and [during] that period, we witness things like rashes all over most persons’ body. The surface of bathing water kept outside to warm will suddenly become dusty."

According to him, residents experienced respiratory problems, early death and high mortality rate. Locals have left their fate to God since the government agency in charge of regulation gives minimal attention to the complaints of residents.

However, there are figures within the political sphere who are working to tackle this problem.

For example, Nigerian lawyer, Courage Nsirimovu of the Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, identified section 104 of the Petroleum Industry Act as one that penalises companies with small fines.

Instead Mr Nsirimovu wants the Nigerian government to revoke the license of companies in line with Section 96 of the Petroleum Act 2021.

In addition to this, Rights activist Akpobari Celestine said the constant gas flaring had caused migration of fish and reduced night lives, appealing to stakeholders at COP26 to compel oil exploration companies to reduce gas flaring.

- Elfredah Kevin-Alerechi is a multimedia investigative journalist based in Nigeria. She is a reporter at Peoples Gazette, a Nigerian online newspaper based in the capital Abuja. This article is part of The Scotsman and Earth Journalism Network partnership – set up by global non-profit organisation Internews.