Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government and industry operators to strengthen enforcement measures and improve monitoring systems to curb methane emissions and gas flaring in the Niger Delta.
The call was made during a webinar organised to spotlight Flaring Lives, a documentary that examines the impact of gas flaring on communities in Nigeria’s oil-producing region.
Participants at the event warned that Nigeria’s efforts to expand gas production could worsen environmental and health challenges unless authorities ensure stricter compliance with existing regulations.
Speaking during the webinar, Tengi George-Ikoli, Country Manager of the Natural Resource Governance Institute, said Nigeria must balance its ambition to grow the gas sector with commitments to reduce methane emissions and end routine gas flaring.
She noted that while methane emissions are often discussed in the context of climate change, communities living near oil and gas facilities experience their effects through polluted air, environmental degradation and threats to livelihoods.
“Nigeria is currently pursuing two ambitions at the same time. On one hand, we are seeking to expand gas production and position gas as a key part of our economic and energy future. On the other, we have made significant commitments to reduce methane emissions, eliminate routine gas flaring, and contribute to global climate goals.
“The challenge is whether these ambitions can be delivered together, and at what cost if they are not.”
George-Ikoli also highlighted the growing economic implications of methane emissions, noting that international markets are increasingly demanding cleaner production standards from oil and gas exporters.
While acknowledging recent policy efforts, she stressed that effective implementation remains crucial, arguing that regulations must be backed by strong enforcement and accurate emissions measurement.
“First, enforcement must become stronger and more consistent. Regulations only matter if there are consequences for non-compliance.”
She added that improved monitoring, reporting and verification systems would help ensure greater transparency and accountability across the sector.
George-Ikoli further maintained that host communities should remain central to any methane reduction strategy, saying success should be measured not only by lower emissions but also by improvements in people’s lives.
Also speaking, Executive Director of Policy Alert, Tijah Bolton-Akpan, said residents of the Niger Delta have borne the burden of gas flaring for decades, with serious consequences for health, agriculture and the environment.
“For over six decades, the flames of gas flaring have lit up the night skies of the Niger Delta, a daily reminder of the huge burden borne by oil-producing communities.”
He said the Flaring Lives documentary was created to draw attention to the realities faced by affected communities and encourage greater accountability from regulators and industry operators.
Bolton-Akpan also called on journalists to intensify reporting on methane emissions and gas flaring, urging the media to play a stronger role in exposing environmental violations and amplifying the voices of impacted communities.
Nigeria remains among the countries with significant gas-flaring activities despite repeated commitments to end the practice. Environmental groups have continued to argue that weak enforcement and inadequate oversight are slowing progress in reducing emissions and protecting communities in the Niger Delta.