Stakeholders recommend gas-to-power projects to tackle energy poverty in Akwa Ibom

Civil society organizations, environmental advocates, and youth groups in Akwa Ibom State have proposed channeling flare gas into electricity generation for oil-producing communities. This initiative aims to address the persistent energy poverty and severe environmental degradation plaguing these areas. The recommendation emerged from a roundtable discussion convened by the Clement Isong Foundation (CIF) in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria and ActionAid Denmark.

Despite continuous gas flaring by oil companies, some host communities, such as Eastern Obolo, have endured over three years without electricity. Stakeholders noted that this practice not only wastes a valuable energy resource but also contributes significantly to environmental pollution and poses public health risks. They specifically called upon Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company to redirect gas intended for flaring towards powering local communities.

Furthermore, participants urged the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to assume control of any gas designated for flaring that operators fail to utilize, in accordance with the Petroleum Industry Act. The roundtable, held at the Clement Isong Foundation Secretariat in Uyo, gathered representatives from various civil society, environmental justice, and governance organizations, alongside youth leaders and media practitioners.

Concerns were raised regarding ongoing issues such as persistent gas flaring, oil spills, flooding, coastal erosion, and the weak enforcement of environmental regulations in oil-producing regions. The exclusion of vulnerable groups from decision-making processes within Host Community Development Trusts was also criticized, highlighting the need for more transparent and accountable governance structures. Participants advocated for enhanced oversight mechanisms to ensure that communities directly impacted by extractive activities benefit from environmental interventions and development initiatives.

In addition to gas utilization, the stakeholders explored renewable energy alternatives, including solar-powered projects and rural electrification. They also stressed the importance of climate education campaigns and called for greater inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in governance and environmental decision-making structures.