Over 100,000 direct and indirect job opportunities are available from the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme following permits granted to 42 companies under the Access Flare Gas initiative.

The Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, disclosed this during the Permit to Access Flare Gas ceremony for the 2022 NGFCP cycle on Friday in Abuja.

Komolafe said the initiative would also produce about 170,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas annually, providing clean energy for roughly 1.4 million households, while unlocking nearly 3 gigawatts of power generation capacity.

He explained that 49 flare sites were auctioned, with 42 successful bidders now set to capture and commercialise between 250 and 300 million standard cubic feet of gas per day 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.

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 further revealed that an NGFCP Forum and College of Awardees has been established to support implementation and knowledge exchange.

“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.

He, however, stressed that the permits marked only a step in the process, warning that the success of the programme depended on sustained project 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 launched by the Federal Government to tackle the long-standing challenge of gas flaring in the country’s oil-producing areas.

Nigeria’s premier gas distribution company, Shell Nigeria Gas Limited (SNG) is expanding its operations in Ogun State with an agreement to provide gas to SG Industrial FZE, a leading steel company in the Guandong industrial zone in the State.

The agreement adds to a growing list of clients for SNG which has developed as a dependable supplier of gas through distribution pipelines of some 150km, serving over 150 clients in Abia, Bayelsa, Ogun, and Rivers states.

The company recorded the achievements working in close collaboration with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML).

“Our commitment is clear — to build, operate, and maintain a gas distribution system that is not only reliable, but resilient, transparent, and designed to fuel growth,” Managing Director, SNG Managing Director, Ralph Gbobo said at the signing ceremony. “The agreement reflects our commitment to expanding access to cleaner and more reliable energy to support Nigeria’s growth agenda.”

Vice General Manager SG Industrial FZE, Moya Shua said: “We are thrilled to partner with SNG on this transformative journey. This collaboration marks a major step forward in securing reliable energy that will power our growth and long-term ambitions.”

SNG was incorporated in 1998 as a fully Shell-owned company. It had also increased access to its natural gas pipeline network, connecting new customers like Reliance Chemical Products Limited II, Ultimum Limited, Nigeria Distilleries Limited III and Rumbu Industries Nigeria Limited, reinforcing its commitment to boosting domestic gas utilization across Nigeria.

The milestones support the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas initiative and the broader gas development agenda.