AN APPRAISAL OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE NATURAL GAS RESOURCE AND ITS UTILIZATION METHODS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria has recently seen an astronomical increase in gas utilization, particularly during the ‘post- PIA’ and ‘Decade of Gas’ era, aided by significantly favourable incentives. However, little or no attention is given to the consequences of natural gas and its utilization techniques, which include variety of technology for collecting, recycling, and using waste gas for reasons other than flaring. Some of these issues include water pollution and methane leakage, which is more severe than gas flaring. This paper argues that, although utilizing gas has various advantages, there is a critical need to strike a balance between enjoying the benefits of natural gas and safeguarding the environment. The objectives of this paper, using the doctrinal research methodology, are to examine the importance of incentives for gas utilization in Nigeria, explore the existing gas utilization projects both before and after the ‘PIA and Decade of Gas’ era, the environmental and health challenges associated with the natural gas resource and its utilization methods, and the inadequacy of the legal regime for gas utilization in Nigeria on environmental protection. This research concludes that Nigeria’s present regulatory framework for gas utilization is more concerned with reducing gas flaring than with addressing the recognized environmental breaches caused by natural gas and its utilization techniques. As a result, it advises further reforms to fundamental laws on gas utilization, such as the Petroleum Industry Act of 2021, as well as the formulation and implementation of strict natural gas emissions rule.