Nigeria’s long-standing battle with gas flaring may have found a credible solution as Adeyinka Adefioye Oki, a respected energy expert and environmental advocate, has presented actionable strategies to curb the menace. In an exclusive interview with GOVTOROS Media, Oki offered detailed insights into how Nigeria can transition from wasteful gas flaring practices to a model of sustainable energy production and economic diversification.
Gas flaring, the harmful practice of burning off excess natural gas during oil extraction, has remained a persistent challenge for Nigeria, costing the country billions of dollars annually while exacerbating climate change. Despite government efforts and policies aimed at reducing the flaring index, Nigeria remains among the world’s top contributors to the problem. Oki, however, believes this narrative can change swiftly if local expertise is prioritized and technological innovations are embraced.
“We have indigenous capacities and solutions,” Oki made known during the interview. “What we lack is the will to consistently back these initiatives with the right investments, policies, and partnerships.”
Backed by years of research, Oki emphasized that Nigeria possesses untapped potential to turn flared gas into usable energy products like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other derivatives. These can not only boost Nigeria’s domestic energy market but also create employment opportunities and strengthen the country’s export potential.
Oki also highlighted a concerning gap between government policies and their execution on the ground. “There is often a disconnect between policy creation at the federal level and what actually happens at oil fields and terminals. We must bridge this gap to see lasting results,” he stated.
As a passionate advocate for energy justice, Oki urged the Nigerian government to engage local experts who understand the intricacies of both the energy industry and Nigeria’s socio-economic realities. “Relying solely on international consultants and multinationals without involving domestic experts is part of why Nigeria has not resolved this problem,” he argued.
GOVTOROS Media, a rising platform dedicated to amplifying solution-driven narratives across Nigeria, hosted the compelling conversation as part of its commitment to showcasing innovative ideas capable of driving national development. Speaking after the interview, GOVTOROS Media’s editorial team described Oki as a “game-changer” in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
With rising global attention on environmental sustainability, Oki’s proposed blueprint could position Nigeria as a regional leader in clean energy if fully adopted. He called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and industry stakeholders to urgently initiate collaborative frameworks that will empower local solution providers and reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.
“Nigeria cannot afford to burn away its wealth,” Oki concluded as he emphasized the broader environmental and economic consequences of inaction.
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