In an effort to achieve the gas flare-out target set for 2008, major stakeholders recently came together in a newly created forum for cooperation that will develop a road map for the elimination of flaring within a realistic time frame, taking into account the complex challenges that inhibit a faster reduction of gas flaring in Nigeria.
When crude oil is brought to the surface from several kilometres below, gas associated with such oil extraction usually comes to the surface of the well.
If oil is produced in areas of the world which lack gas infrastructure or a nearby gas market, a significant portion of the associated gas may be released into the atmosphere, un-ignited (vented) or ignited (flared).
High-level representatives from several ministries and sector companies agreed at the meeting to establish an ad-hoc ‘Flare Reduction Committee’ to reduce routine flaring to a minimum within the shortest possible timeframe.
The work of the Committee, which is being facilitated by World Bank Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (CGFR), aims to be forward looking, act quickly, with a clear deadline and mandate to manage flare reduction in Nigeria.
Some of the major conclusions reached at the workshop were that participants and their organizations were fully committed to the elimination of routine gas flaring. Participants also saw many new opportunities for increasing gas utilization that would address gas flaring in the medium and long range.
They also agreed that all must work together to address the issues that inhibit reducing flaring at a much faster rate.
Furthermore, the Ministry of energy (Gas) and NNPC organized an International Gas Stakeholders Forum in Abuja from 26 to 27 November 2007, which was declared open by H. E. The President of Nigeria, Alhaji Umaru Yar’adua GCFR.
At this forum, the President announced that the Gas Flare out date is now 31 December 2008. In addition, the Senate Committee on Gas Flare Down Forum on 3 and 4 December 2007 to further engage all Stakeholders on the way forward towards achieving the flare out objective.
In the process of oil production, Nigeria flares or burns about 24 billion cubit meters (or 0.84.~.trillion cubic feet) of associated natural gas every year.