Total, Shell to end gas flaring as stakeholders decry industry loopholes

Total Energies E&P Nigeria and Shell, yesterday, pledged to end routine gas flaring as industry operators insisted development of the gas sector in Nigeria might remain elusive if prevailing challenges are not tackled.

Managing Director, Crude Oil and Gas Commercial at Total Energies Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Dabotekenari Alabo, speaking at the Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja, said insecurity and tariff issues about gas must be addressed.

According to him, Nigeria’s crude oil and gas production is on the decline.

Alabo said: “What we’ve seen is that the production figures for Nigeria has declined from 2 million barrels of hydrocarbon liquids per day towards something around 1.5 million barrels of hydrocarbon liquids per day. And this correlates quite fairly with the drop we’ve seen in the gas production across Nigeria.

“Today, our supply of gas has a strong component that is linked to associated gas. And if we are talking about building on this great achievement we are seeing with the decade of gas, especially the increase in domestic consumption, we need to maintain the supply. “

“We are already seeing a drop in supply. So, our question should be on sustainability and the need to ensure that we have supply. And I think the key for that would mean we need to tap into non-associated gas.”

Deputy Managing Director, Deepwater TotalEnergies E&P Nigeria, Victor Bandele, also said the company would end routine gas flaring while focusing on delivering safer, cleaner and accessible energy.

Bandele said the decision of the company to end gas flaring this year started 15 years ago, stressing that the company has been progressive on the target.

He expressed the company’s commitment to ensure fully integrated, sustainable and available energy in the oil and gas industry to actualise energy transition.

According to him, the company places the safety of people and respect for the environment at the forefront.

“Over the years, we have been consistent in development, making sure that all infrastructure we have are fully utilised. This year, we have just finished drilling an exploration well and we will continue to consolidate on the things we know how best to do,” he said.

Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, explained that the company is working hard to end routine gas flaring. He added that addressing extant challenges would leapfrog the sector.