Abuja, Nigeria — Nigeria has reduced routine gas flaring from over 80 per cent to just 7 per cent in the past 35 years, marking a significant milestone in the country’s push for cleaner and more environmentally responsible oil production.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) disclosed this as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day, reiterating its commitment to achieving zero routine gas flaring by 2030 and a 60 per cent reduction in methane emissions by 2035.
According to the Commission, the sharp decline in gas flaring reflects sustained regulatory efforts and industry compliance aimed at aligning Nigeria’s oil and gas operations with global environmental standards.
“As the world marks the 2026 World Environment Day, the Commission remains committed to zero routine gas flare by 2030 and 60% methane reduction by 2035,” the NUPRC stated.
In furtherance of Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under global climate agreements, the regulator revealed that it had earlier this year issued a directive mandating oil and gas operators to institutionalise credible Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems.
The directive is designed to ensure accurate tracking and reporting of methane and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within the upstream petroleum sector.
Industry stakeholders say the move is expected to strengthen transparency, improve environmental accountability, and position Nigeria as a responsible player in the global energy transition.
Experts also note that reducing gas flaring not only cuts harmful emissions but enhances energy efficiency by enabling the capture and utilisation of associated gas for domestic and industrial use.
The NUPRC emphasized that the ongoing reforms are part of a broader strategy to achieve a cleaner energy mix while maintaining the country’s competitiveness in crude oil production.
