A recent World Bank report has confirmed that Nigeria ranks among the top nine countries responsible for the vast majority of global gas flaring, alongside Russia, Iran, Iraq, the United States, Venezuela, Algeria, Libya, and Mexico.
These nations collectively account for approximately three‑quarters of the world’s flared gas, while producing less than half of global oil.
In 2024, global gas flaring rose to 151 billion cubic metres—an increase of three billion cubic metres over the previous year—marking the highest volume recorded since 2007. The practice contributed to 389 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, with a significant portion in the form of unburnt methane.
Nigeria’s flare volumes jumped by 12 per cent in 2024 despite only a modest 3 per cent growth in oil output. The country saw one of the largest increases in flaring volume across the globe, surpassed only by Iran. Flare intensity in Nigeria—measured as the volume of gas flared per barrel of oil—also climbed from 11 cubic metres per barrel in 2023 to 12 cubic metres in 2024, more than double the global average. The bulk of this rise was attributed to operations managed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and a number of smaller indigenous firms.
Persistent flaring in Nigeria has been linked to regulatory gaps, limited access to capital, and a widespread inability to monetize associated gas for domestic use or energy exports. The report noted that many of the smaller operators lack the technical resources to capture or repurpose gas, meaning they opt for flaring amid high global oil prices. Infrastructure constraints and underinvestment have further hindered the commercialization of associated gas.
The increase in flaring runs counter to Nigeria’s stated energy transition goals, which include eliminating routine gas flaring by 2030 and reducing methane emissions by at least 60 per cent by 2031. These targets are integral to the country’s national decarbonization framework, which emphasizes emissions measurement, carbon capture readiness, and access to carbon financing.
Beyond Nigeria, the World Bank’s findings also spotlighted Russia as the world’s largest contributor to gas flaring, with Russia’s volumes rising by approximately 2 per cent in 2024. Iran led the increases globally, followed by Nigeria, the United States, Iraq, and others. Overall, the top nine flaring countries now generate about 76 per cent of all flared gas, up from 65 per cent recorded in 2012.
The World Bank urged immediate and coordinated action to curb flaring, citing the enormous waste of resources and greenhouse gas emissions involved. It emphasised that countries committed to the Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 initiative have generally achieved more progress, although many high‑flaring nations continue to lag behind.
If captured, the gas wasted each year could significantly improve energy access for millions, particularly in sub‑Saharan Africa, where electricity shortages are widespread. The World Bank underscored that investment in regulatory reform, enforcement mechanisms, and infrastructure is essential to turning flared gas into productive fuel for economic development rather than environmental harm.
