On 15 February, 2021 the Public Hearing on the need to end gas flaring in Nigeria and harness associated gas jointly hosted by three Committees of the House of Representatives (Committees on Gas Resources, Climate Change and Environment) held in Abuja. OPTS submitted a memorandum on this issue and the OPTS Chairman was represented at the Hearing by the Vice-Chair of the Gas Subcommittee, Nathaniel Oyatogun of Seplat.
In attendance during the session were: The Honorable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Representative of Minister of the Environment, Speaker of the House of Representatives, GMD NNPC, Director DPR, COO Gas & Power (NNPC), Representatives of the MDs of ExxonMobil, Total, SPDC, Chevron, SEPLAT and other members of OPTS and other Stakeholders.
The Honorable Minister recalled that 2020 was declared Year of Gas in Nigeria, with the launch of the Network Code and National Gas Expansion Project (NGEP). 2021 – 2030 was declared the Decade of Gas in Nigeria with 2025 slated for the end of flaring.
GMD NNPC stressed that the PIB must deliver and support investment inflows, outline commercial frameworks and define terms that will guide gas utilization and prevent flaring. He added that flaring was no longer acceptable due to environmental concerns.
OPTS made recommendations on sections, clauses and overall outlay of the Bill to address industry challenges and accommodate opportunities. The suggestions by OPTS were noted and the Joint Committee promised to continue to collaborate with OPTS.
The Joint Committee also indicated that they will visit the Niger Delta to view firsthand the effects and impact of flaring on the local communities before submitting its report.
OPTS offered to continue to provide technical support to the Committee’s work and its consultants.