Overview

The Gas Flaring (Prohibition) Bill 2017 is a Nigerian legislative proposal sponsored by Senator Bassey Albert Akpan. It aims to prohibit the flaring and venting of natural gas in Nigeria, with a few exceptions granted via authorization from the Minister. The bill outlines strict regulations for oil and gas lessees and licensees. Within six months of commencement, producing fields must submit gas data and an integrated gas flare reduction plan to the Minister for approval. New field developments require an integrated oil and gas field development plan approved beforehand. Authorizations for continued flaring are possible but regulated, and a gas flaring fee is imposed. The bill mandates measurement and reporting of flared gas, grants authorities power to enter and investigate, and sets penalties for violations including flaring without a permit (up to $50 per barrel of oil equivalent), failure to install metering equipment, and refusal to provide information. The Minister may make regulations, and the Act applies to Nigeria's exclusive economic zone. It repeals conflicting laws and includes special considerations for specific fields.

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