Gas Flaring Engulfs Over 100 villagers In Imo

Residents of communities in Oguta local government area of Imo state have raised concerns about the adverse effects of gas flaring on their lives and environment.

VerseNews learnt that gas flaring has been a long-standing issue in the area, dating back over four decades, causing severe health problems and environmental damage.

Residents mentioned health hazards, including the breeding of disease-carrying mosquitoes, and an increase in temperature, even during cold weather.

Gas flaring has forced over a hundred households to relocate from their communities, with the situation worsening during flooding.

The campaign to stop gas flaring has led to the establishment of the Nigeria Gas Flaring Commercialization Project (NGFCP) in 2018, with companies expressing interest in converting gas flaring sites for commercial purposes.

However, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has started issuing licenses to companies interested in implementing the gas flaring sites’ commercialization process.

Local oil company representatives declined to comment but indicated that the matter would be addressed by their head offices.