By Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has issued Permits to Access Flare Gas (PAFG) to 28 companies under the 2022 Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), marking a major leap in Nigeria’s quest for cleaner energy, reduced emissions and improved energy security.
Speaking during the official permit issuance ceremony held on Friday, 12 December 2025, in Abuja, the Commission Chief Executive (CCE), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, said the milestone reflects a decisive shift from the country’s historical gas-flaring challenges to a modern, market-driven solution that unlocks economic value across the sector.
He noted that the issuance of the permits “marks a pivotal shift from environmental liability to economic opportunity in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector.”
The companies granted permits include: Ace Energy Limited; Afagaf Company Limited; AGH Lero; Almina Resources Limited; Amazon Energy Limited; AUT Energy; Beluga Asiko; Bodej Investment Limited; Cainergy Limited; Cimcmonobuo Nigeria Limited; Dawcon Consortium; Dawnwatch Limited; Fargab Limited; Folstaj International Limited; Geospectra Energy Limited; Izzi Project Limited; MMLet Energy Limited; MSN Consortium; Newgaz Integrated Services Limited; NG Lyon Construction Limited; Oaks Cluster Energy; Seal Energy Limited; Tecnis EPS International Limited; Teobell International; Terms Energies; Zipora Gas; and Stelog Gas Company Limited.
Komolafe disclosed that all 28 awardees successfully executed the required commercial agreements — including Connection Agreements, Milestone Development Agreements and Gas Sales Agreements — qualifying them to access flare gas legally under the programme.
“These entities represent a strong blend of operational capability, financial readiness and technological competence. To all our flare site awardees soon to become Permit Holders, I offer warm congratulations,” he said.
Komolafe praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the reform-driven policies that have shaped the sector’s direction, including the Executive Orders issued in 2024 that enhanced fiscal incentives, local content and investment competitiveness.
He explained that the NGFCP was redesigned after the enactment of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to increase transparency, commercial viability and global competitiveness.
“From 300 initial expressions of interest, 139 applicants qualified for the RFP stage. Following a competitive and transparent evaluation process, 42 successful bidders were awarded 49 flare sites, an achievement widely recognised for its integrity and rigour,” he stated.
Programme to Cut 6m Tonnes of Emissions, Attract $2bn Investment
The CCE highlighted the wide-ranging benefits expected from the programme, including: Capture and commercialisation of 250–300 mmscfd of flare gas, annual reduction of six million tonnes of CO₂, attraction of up to US$2 billion in new investments, Creation of more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, and annual production of 170,000 metric tonnes of LPG, providing clean cooking energy for 1.4 million households
Komolafe also announced the establishment of an NGFCP Forum and College of Awardees to enhance project coordination, implementation and knowledge sharing.
He added that the Commission has intensified engagement with international financiers and technology partners to support successful execution.
Despite praising the progress made so far, the CCE stressed that the issuance of permits only marks the beginning of the project implementation phase.
“Engineering, construction, financing and commissioning must begin in earnest. The real work has just begun,” he said, assuring that the Commission will provide full regulatory support to ensure deadlines and obligations are met.
He further stated that NUPRC will closely monitor Development Milestone Agreements, conduct routine performance assessments and proactively tackle any challenges that may arise.
Komolafe said this disciplined approach aligns with Nigeria’s broader goal of achieving a cleaner, more resilient energy future while strengthening the competitiveness of the petroleum industry.
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