Reps Want Gas Flaring Converted To Electricity

House of Representatives has passed a motion, compelling oil and gas companies to stop gas flaring and convert same to provide 24-hour electricity to Isoko communities in Delta State.

Consequently, the House urged the federal government to compel the oil and gas producing companies engaged in the flaring of gas to convert flared gases to electricity for the benefit of the people of Isoko.

Moving the motion, the sponsor and member representing Isoko federal constituency, Hon Jonathan Ukodhiko said Nigeria is a major gas producer, with significant waste being flared around the world, with a large chunk being flared as waste.

The lawmaker noted that Isoko federal constituency in Delta State contributes significantly to the nation’s oil and gas hosting with over eight flow stations and gas facilities, impacted by flaring activities.

He said the flared gas resources are a major and cheap source of electricity capable of taking care of the power needs of the host communities and stimulate the economic growth of the country through small and medium-scale businesses.

Ukodhikoe argued that “With the environmental hazards of gas flaring resulting to the humongous revenue loss, there is an urgent need to compel the oil and gas companies to activate their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) and provide electricity to the Communities in Isoko land from the flared gas through gas turbines by taking advantage of the recent Electricity Act of 2023.

“The volume of gas being flared has devastating effects on the lives and property of the Isoko host communities ranging from various ailments associated with the smoke-polluted environment to corrosion that destroys roofing sheets and poor agricultural output as a result of intense heat on the environment.

“In spite of the huge contributions to the oil and gas wealth of the nation with attendant environmental and health hazards, Isoko federal constituency has been in a total blackout, though the electricity can be easily tapped from the wasted gas resources.”

The House adopted the motion and referred it to the Committee on Legislative Compliance (when constituted) to ensure implementation.