House Passes Anti-Gas Flaring Bill to Address Environmental and Economic Issues
The House of Representatives has passed the Anti-Gas Flaring Bill to prohibit gas flaring and promote its utilization for economic growth and energy generation. Sponsored by Hon. Babajimi Benson, the Bill aims to mitigate environmental and health impacts while ensuring strict regulatory measures and penalties for compliance. It seeks to align Nigeria’s oil and gas operations with international climate commitments and provide compensation for affected communities.
The House of Representatives has successfully moved forward the Anti-Gas Flaring (Prohibition and Enforcement) Bill, which aims to limit the flaring and venting of natural gas under strictly controlled conditions. Sponsored by Hon. Babajimi Benson, the Bill is designed not only to curb environmental degradation caused by gas flaring but also to promote the productive use of gas resources for economic advancement and energy production. During the parliamentary debate, Benson emphasized the necessity of a thorough enforcement and monitoring framework, as well as the imposition of penalties to ensure compliance with the proposed legislation.
Gas flaring represents a major environmental and economic challenge, particularly in Nigeria, where it has led to significant environmental degradation, public health issues, and economic waste for decades. Flaring contributes to serious greenhouse gas emissions and poses health risks, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, to nearby communities. The Anti-Gas Flaring Bill aligns Nigeria’s oil and gas operations with international climate commitments, like the Paris Agreement, and seeks to convert wasteful practices into economic opportunities through energy generation and revenue production.
In summary, the Anti-Gas Flaring Bill represents a significant step towards resolving the environmental, health, and economic challenges posed by gas flaring in Nigeria. It establishes strict regulations, penalties for non-compliance, and provisions for community compensation and restoration. Ultimately, the Bill aims to harness the nation’s natural gas resources effectively, promote sustainability, and meet international climate standards, fostering a healthier environment and boosting economic growth. Its implementation will require collaboration among regulatory bodies, operators, and environmental agencies to ensure adherence and beneficial outcomes.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
