ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government has announced that it is aiming to generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs through the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) following the issuance of permits to 42 firms under the Access Flare Gas initiative.
The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, made this known on Friday in Abuja at the Permit to Access Flare Gas ceremony for the 2022 NGFCP cycle.
According to Komolafe, the programme is also expected to deliver about 170,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas annually, providing clean energy to an estimated 1.4 million households, while unlocking close to 3 gigawatts of power generation capacity.
He explained that 49 flare sites were put up for auction, with 42 companies emerging successful and poised to capture and commercialise between 250 and 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day that is currently being flared.
“A total of 49 flare sites have been auctioned. Forty-two bidders have been awarded the sites. Between 250 and 300 million standard cubic feet of currently flared gas will be captured and commercialised, eliminating approximately six million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually,” Komolafe said.
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He added, “The programme is expected to attract up to US$2bn in investment. More than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created. About 170,000 metric tonnes of LPG will be produced annually, enabling clean energy access for approximately 1.4 million households. And nearly 3GW of power generation potential will be unlocked.”
Komolafe also disclosed that an NGFCP Forum and College of Awardees has been set up to facilitate implementation and promote knowledge sharing.
“An NGFCP Forum and College of Awardees has been established to support project implementation and knowledge exchange. We have also deepened engagement with international financiers and technology partners. Furthermore, Nigeria’s leadership in practical upstream decarbonisation continues to gain global recognition,” he said.
However, he cautioned that the issuance of permits was only an initial milestone, noting that the overall success of the programme would depend on sustained and disciplined execution.
“Let me emphasize that the Permit to Access Flare Gas is a critical step forward, but it is not the final destination. The value of this programme will be realized only through consistent, disciplined project execution. The Commission will closely monitor progress and performance under the Milestone Development Agreements while providing needed regulatory support required for success.
“So to our producers, we appreciate your cooperation and look forward to your continued collaboration, especially during this implementation phase. To our awardees, we look forward to seeing your projects progress from plans to productive assets. Together, we will continue to advance Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector toward greater transparency, efficiency, sustainability, and global competitiveness.”
The Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme was introduced by the Federal Government to address the persistent problem of gas flaring in Nigeria’s oil-producing regions.