Worried by activities of International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Akwa Ibom, a civil society organization, Oil Producing Development Network (OPDN), has commended the federal government for imposing penalties on oil companies flaring gas in the country.
Besides, the group appealed to regulatory agencies in the oil sector to prevail on the IOCs to convert the wasted gas for electricity generation, pay compensation to the affected communities and restore the polluted environment to make it safe for human habitation.
It was learnt the federal government would impose $49million (N22bn) fine on oil and gas companies operating onshore for flaring 24b standard cubic feet of gas valued at about N40bn( ($86m) between January and February 2023.
President of the group, Dr Ufot Phenson, noted that the action of the federal government is a proof of its determination to ensure the wellbeing of its citizens in the oil producing communities.
He said the penalty was a welcome development and a proof of their guilt.
