A Nigeria based Non Governmental Organization – NGO, Accountability for Gas Flare Advocacy in Nigeria – AGFAN in partnership with United States Agency International Development USAID and other facilitators such as Palladium has risen to the challenge to end gas flaring in Nigeria.
Nigeria which is one of the frontline oil/gas producing country has its production populated by resident who are exposed to a perpetual gas flare hazards.
The AGFAN one day electoral dialogue on gas flare penalties which held in Uyo last week, had in attendence aspirants of various political parties invited in a dialogue to informed about the effort so far made by the NGO to end gas flaring, and there were put on notice to also intervene to advocate and stop the menace when they will be voted to office in the coming 2023 general elections.
Welcoming participants in the event, Mrs Ufoma Asheshe one of the resource persons said: “I sincerely thank and acknowledge every one of you who are present”
“Today , I would like to point your attention to Issue of gas flaring in Nigeria and I will be specifically to Niger Delta region. You are here today because we are asking for your support and contributions to accounting for full revenue generated and eliminate existing discrepancy in flared gas volumes reported for Nigeria. And increase by 2% the funding for clean energy facilities in Nigeria in the 2023 budget”
“Elimination of gas flare can only be possible if we all join hands together to push for every policy and practice that will make this a reality”
AGFAN also reported their regular interface with Nigeria government and specifically the National Assembly in their oversight function to get oil and gas companies pay penalty on gas flare and their push (AGFAN) to put an end to this hazard in oil producing communities in Nigeria.
A communique was drafted after a panel of discussants brainstorm on the way out to stop the gas flare in Nigeria
The communique captured the position of People With Disability – PWD, the Media, Chief Security Officer and the political class as they made their stance known in this tone:
PWD:
sensitising person’s with disabilities about the knowledge of gas flaring and the negative impact of gas flaring to our clusters
To advocate for policies and that will mitigate negative effect of gas flaring on persons with disabilities.
Persons with disabilities should be represented in PIA Committee.
MEDIA:
To use our various media platforms in educating the people towards zero gas emissions, as well as the provision of the Petroleum act in this regard to enable them hold different companies operating in their localities accountable.
CSO:
Committee to mainstreaming gas flaring awareness/sensitization in our activities or programs.
POLITICIANS:
Upholding relevant laws to reduce gas flare and increase LPG utilization in Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria.
Enforcement of penalties imposed against infringers of PIA by way of litigation.
Advocate for improvements by way of amendment for the PIA.
