The Nigerian government is facing criticism for prioritizing revenue generation over human life as gas flaring continues to devastate communities. Environmental organizations are urging President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to review Executive Order 9, which they claim has turned gas flaring penalties into a revenue stream for the government rather than a deterrent for oil companies.

“Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Comrade Itsede Victor emphasized that gas flaring is a hazardous practice that releases toxic pollutants into the air and has been linked to respiratory illnesses, cancers, and environmental degradation in the Niger Delta region. Despite laws prohibiting the practice, many oil companies continue to flare gas due to weak enforcement and inadequate penalties”

The coalition is calling for the government to:

• Remove gas flaring penalties from the Federation Account
• Dedicate penalty funds to environmental remediation and community development
• Increase penalties for gas flaring to deter environmental violations

The Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 prohibits gas flaring except under permitted conditions and mandates that gas flare penalty funds be applied to gas infrastructure development and community projects.