Niger Delta Groups Demand Action on Gas Flaring Funds

Niger Delta groups have called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to address the misuse of gas flaring funds, emphasizing the urgent need for a review of Executive Order 9. During a press conference in Abuja, Victor, speaking on behalf of the coalition, highlighted that the gas flaring penalty system should serve as a deterrent against environmental violations rather than merely a source of government revenue.

The coalition pointed out that the Niger Delta communities suffer from health and environmental consequences due to routine gas flaring, which is linked to respiratory illnesses and other health issues. They noted that Nigeria remains one of the top gas flaring nations globally due to weak enforcement and ineffective penalty mechanisms.

The coalition referenced a 2019 Supreme Court ruling affirming the right to a clean and healthy environment and called for the gas flaring penalty funds to be dedicated exclusively to environmental remediation and community development projects, rather than being remitted to the federal account.