NUPRC threatens license revocation for idle gas flare sites

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) intends to revoke licenses granted to operators of flare gas sites that have not utilized the assets. During a meeting with Minister Rt. Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo in Abuja, NUPRC Chief Executive Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan explained that evaluations occur one year after an award is granted to assess progress. Where insufficient progress is recorded, the commission stated it will take appropriate regulatory action, including revocation of the permit. Originally, 43 flare gas sites were identified for the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Programme (NGFCP). Twenty-seven sites have been successfully awarded so far, with implementation efforts ongoing despite initial resistance from some operators. The NUPRC noted Nigeria holds over 215 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves and an estimated total reserve base of about 600 TCF.