The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited and its joint venture partner, First Exploration and Production (E&P), have achieved a 98% reduction in gas flaring across two fields in Bayelsa State.
NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye announced this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
He stated that the reduction aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to cut global gas emissions by 20% under the Paris Agreement.
The flaring reduction was recorded in the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields, both located in the Niger Delta region of Bayelsa State, Soneyed added.
“In a significant stride towards supporting Nigeria’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% unconditionally and 47% conditionally, as stipulated in the Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, the NNPC Ltd and First Exploration & Petroleum Development Company Limited (First E&P) Joint Venture (JV) has successfully achieved 96% reduction in routine flaring of associated gas (AG) from the Anyala (OML 83) and Madu (OML 85) fields.
“This remarkable milestone was attained through the implementation of an AG reinjection strategy into a designated underground storage reservoir at the Madu field, situated in OML 85, offshore Bayelsa State. The initiative ensures that gas, which would have otherwise been flared, is now safely stored, significantly mitigating environmental impact,” he said.
On his part, First E&P CEO Ademola Adeyemi-Bero described the reduction in gas flaring as a significant achievement, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production.
He added that by lowering its carbon footprint, the company remains dedicated to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities it serves.
“This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible energy production. By substantially reducing our carbon footprint, we are contributing to a sustainable energy future that benefits both the environment and the communities we serve,” Adeyemi-Bero said.
Gas flaring in Nigeria
Despite having one of the world’s largest gas reserves, Nigeria has struggled to fully utilize this resource due to limited investment, inadequate infrastructure, and low capital in the sector.
As a result, much of the country’s gas is flared or burned instead of being harnessed to power industries.
In 2024, Nigeria flared 300.5 million standard cubic feet (mscf) of gas, exceeding levels not seen since 2020, when 353.5 million scf were flared, according to data from the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA).
The agency also estimated the value of gas flared in the first six months of the year at approximately $360 million (about N600 billion).
Beyond economic losses, gas flaring poses significant health risks to communities near flaring sites, most of which are located in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
