Nigeria targets zero gas flaring by 2030, eyes 3GW electricity boost

Nigeria is aiming to achieve zero gas flaring by 2030, according to the Commission Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.

Eyesan made this declaration on Monday during the 2026 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) at the Nigerian Pavilion in Houston, Texas.

The pavilion, organized by the Petroleum Technology Association of Nigeria (PETAN), featured the theme: “Africa’s Energy Transformation: Scaling Investment, Technology, and Local Capacity for Sustainable Growth.”

Delivering her address, the NUPRC boss noted that indigenous companies, climate goals, and policy reforms are reshaping the industry from the ground up.

“Today, nearly 100 Nigerian companies are operating in the sector. That is phenomenal,” Eyesan stated.

She highlighted a significant shift from an era dominated by a few international oil companies to one where indigenous firms are increasingly driving exploration, production, and technology adoption.

At the core of the commission’s agenda is a dual target of eliminating gas flaring by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

Eyesan disclosed that gas flaring has already dropped below 10 percent, with firm plans in place for total eradication.

“We are not just penalizing flaring; we are commercializing it,” she explained, noting that flare sites are being concessioned to firms capable of converting wasted gas into usable energy. This initiative is expected to generate up to three gigawatts of electricity.

Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s decarbonization goals, Eyesan emphasized a pragmatic transition that integrates cleaner technologies rather than abandoning hydrocarbons entirely.

She revealed that some offshore facilities already deploy solar energy, while carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects are currently under consideration.

Eyesan described the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) as a game changer that has improved regulatory clarity and competitiveness.

However, she noted that continuous policy adjustments are necessary to remain globally attractive.

“The government has been responsive. We constantly evaluate our position and adjust to attract and retain investment,” she said, adding that the commission remains committed to enabling business while enforcing compliance.

Beyond domestic goals, Eyesan positioned Nigeria as a beacon for Africa’s broader energy development, citing the country’s potential to expand energy access and reduce energy poverty across the continent.

Regarding investment opportunities, she revealed strong interest in Nigeria’s 2025 bid round, with nearly 300 applicants vying for approximately 50 assets.

She also pointed to downstream reforms, noting that the removal of fuel subsidies has accelerated the adoption of alternative fuels like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), with further growth expected as domestic gas infrastructure expands.

In his remarks, Mr. Wole Ogunsanya, Chairman of PETAN, stated that Nigeria’s participation at the conference demonstrates resilience despite global uncertainty.

He noted that the strong presence of key stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to boosting production and strengthening energy security.

Ogunsanya added that Nigeria is approaching a major refining milestone, with projections of up to one million barrels per day in operational capacity, positioning the country to significantly reduce import dependence.