Investigation says gas flaring continues despite Nigeria’s tighter laws

Summary

A Premium Times investigation says oil companies are still flaring gas years after Nigeria tightened anti-flaring rules, with weak enforcement and affected communities bearing the cost.

Highlights

• The investigation says the Petroleum Industry Act and later regulations were meant to curb flaring and methane emissions.
• It says enforcement remains weak, and companies face no sanctions despite the rules.
• In Umuechem, Rivers State, residents say flares have remained a long-term feature near their homes and farms.
• Rose Ordu said crops on her farm have been affected by the heat from a nearby flare site.
• The report says communities continue to live with pollution while gas is wasted instead of being used productively.