A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF GAS FLARING IN NIGERIA VIS A VIS THE UNITED KINGDOM
Abstract
This dissertation presents a critical appraisal of the legal framework governing gas flaring in Nigeria, with
a comparative analysis of the regulatory regime in the United Kingdom. Gas flaring, a persistent
environmental and economic challenge in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, continues despite various
legislative and policy interventions. This study examines the effectiveness, and enforcement of Nigeria’s
legal instruments, including the Associated gas Re-injection Act, The petroleum Industry Act 2021, and
relevant environmental laws. By Juxtaposing these with the United Kingdom’s robust and largely
successful legal approach to gas flaring marked by stringent environmental regulations, economic
incentives and consistent enforcement – this research identifies the gaps and inefficiencies within the
Nigerian framework. The comparative analysis reveals that while the UK has achieved near elimination
of routine flaring through integrated policy design and strong institutional oversight, Nigeria struggles
with regulatory fragmentation, weak enforcement, and conflicting economic interests.
This long essay concludes with recommendations for reform, emphasizing the need for legislative clarity,
institutional clarity, and institutional synergy, adoption and internalization of the various environmental
treaties such as the Paris agreement to ensure Nigeria’s transition towards environmentally sustainable
gas utilization.
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