http://thenationonlineng.net/web2/articles/21106/1/Stakeholders-flay-exemptions-in-gas-flare-law/Page1.html

By John Ofikhenua

From John Ofikhenua and Mabel Okpala, Abuja

Stakeholders in the oil and gas have resolved that any gas flare-out law should not permit any exemption or penalty exclusion as this would undermine the intent and purpose of the law and compromise the right of Nigerians to environmental justice and fundamental right to life.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued in Abuja after the meeting by the Social Action (Social Development and Integrated Centre) in collaboration with Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) to examine developments on the bill on gas flaring. This is with a view to ensuring sustainable energy future in Nigeria by putting an end to gas flaring without further delay.

Besides, the communiqué said any law on gas flaring must be clear and definite with regard to the deadline on gas flare-out law.

According to the communiqué, gas flare-out laws must ensure environmental audit and remediation in line with best practices and standards.

The stakeholders went on to advocate that genuine gas flare-out law must be supportive of the national and global efforts to address the greatest threat of our time - climate change and renewable energy resources.

It observed that successive regimes, both military and civilian, failed to demonstrate commitment to ending gas flaring in Nigeria.

The communiqué noted that local communities and state legislatures, direct victims of the hazardous effect of gas flaring are not involved in the current prohibition efforts.

‘’The current bill promotes the interest of oil companies rather than the interest of the communities and the Nigerian nation,’’ it stated.

"Payment of monetary penalty as an option would only serve as incentive for oil companies to continue the flaring of gas rather than as deterrent.

"Attempt at increasing penalty payable by oil companies for flouting the law against gas flaring is diversionary and not capable of ending gas flaring in the foreseeable future," it added.
The stakeholders however charged the communities, state legislatures, governors and the National Assembly, to ensure this ongoing process culminates in a law that would not only be sacrosanct but all embrasing.