The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has warned beneficiaries of flare gas sites under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) that their awards could be revoked if they fail to demonstrate meaningful progress in utilising the sites.
The Commission Chief Executive, Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, disclosed this during a working visit to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, in Abuja on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Eyesan, who presented an update on the implementation of the NGFCP, said the Commission had put in place a monitoring mechanism to ensure that awardees translate their approvals into actual flare gas utilisation projects.
According to her, the NUPRC conducts an assessment one year after an award is granted to determine whether the beneficiary has made sufficient progress towards developing the project.
“One year after an award has been granted, the Commission conducts an evaluation to determine whether there has been considerable progress,” Eyesan said.
She warned that failure to meet expected milestones could attract regulatory sanctions, including cancellation of the award.
“Where there is insufficient progress, the Commission will take appropriate regulatory action, including revocation of the award where necessary,” she added.
The warning underscores the Commission’s determination to ensure that flare gas commercialisation awards result in tangible investments and measurable reductions in gas flaring, rather than remaining on paper.
The NGFCP is a major component of Nigeria’s efforts to eliminate routine gas flaring while creating new opportunities for gas-based investments, including power generation, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), methanol and other gas utilisation projects.
The NUPRC’s position is also expected to put greater pressure on project developers to meet their commitments and timelines following the allocation of flare gas sites.
The Commission has continued to emphasise the need for stronger gas utilisation as Nigeria seeks to harness its vast natural gas resources for domestic energy supply, industrial development and economic growth.
The meeting with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) formed part of ongoing efforts by the NUPRC and the Ministry to deepen collaboration on the development of Nigeria’s gas sector and accelerate the implementation of gas-related projects.
ALSO READ:
