Nigeria recorded a 12% spike in gas flaring volumes in 2024, marking the second-largest increase globally, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report. This rise comes despite the nation’s official commitments to transition toward cleaner energy and eliminate routine flaring by 2030.
The report, released earlier this week, reveals a worrying trend: while Nigeria’s oil production rose by only 3% last year, flaring intensity jumped by 8%, making it the second consecutive year of worsening flare activity in the country. The World Bank attributed most of the flaring in Nigeria to operations run by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and smaller indigenous firms, which accounted for 60% of all flaring and 75% of the overall increase in 2024.
“Nigeria experienced a 12 percent increase in flaring volume in 2024, the second largest increase globally,” the report stated. “This marks the second consecutive year of rising flare levels in Nigeria.”
Globally, gas flaring the wasteful burning of natural gas during oil extraction increased from 148 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2023 to 151 bcm in 2024, despite oil production remaining flat. This led to a 2.3% increase in global average flaring intensity, underscoring how the world continues to struggle with emissions despite climate pledges.
Among the top offenders, Russia, Iran, the United States, Iraq, and Nigeria were collectively responsible for 4.6 bcm of additional flaring in 2024. Russia remains the world’s largest gas flarer, but Iran led in flare volume growth, followed closely by Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Pledge vs. Reality
This increase contrasts sharply with Nigeria’s stated environmental goals. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) recently reaffirmed its commitment to end routine flaring by 2030 and reduce methane emissions by 60% by 2031. The strategy, anchored in Nigeria’s Upstream Decarbonisation Framework, focuses on emissions tracking, carbon capture, and access to climate finance via carbon markets.
Speaking earlier in July, NUPRC CEO Engr. Gbenga Komolafe said:
“Our gas-centric transition strategy is designed to eliminate routine flaring by 2030 and cut methane emissions by 60% by 2031. We are deploying MRV systems and promoting access to carbon markets to support the transition.”
In March 2025, the Commission also launched the Decarbonisation and Energy Sustainability Forum an annual platform aimed at evaluating progress, promoting innovation, and accelerating climate-aligned energy reforms.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria’s continued gas flaring not only undercuts climate targets but also represents a significant economic loss. According to energy analysts, flared gas could be captured and converted for domestic power generation or export as liquefied natural gas (LNG), boosting revenues and expanding energy access in underserved areas.
Moreover, flaring contributes to health hazards and environmental degradation, especially in oil-producing regions like the Niger Delta, where communities have long suffered from polluted air and water due to oil operations.
The World Bank notes that 76% of global gas flaring in 2024 came from just nine countries including Nigeria. This growing concentration underscores the urgent need for aggressive and transparent mitigation strategies.
What’s Next?
While Nigeria has laid out plans for a cleaner energy future, experts say implementation must be accelerated. The country will need to invest in flare capture technologies, enforce regulatory penalties for non-compliance, and empower local firms with the resources and incentives needed to reduce emissions.
Failure to act decisively may hinder Nigeria’s energy transition goals and its ability to attract sustainable investment amid rising global ESG standards.
