Nigeria’s upstream regulator said it may revoke gas-flare site awards if recipients fail to make sufficient progress. Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) chief executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan gave the warning during a working visit to Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Ekperikpe Ekpo on 8 September 2026. According to the commission, 43 sites were initially identified for awards under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme. Twenty-seven have so far been awarded, with implementation under way.

Eyesan said the commission evaluates progress one year after an award and can take regulatory action, including revocation, when progress is inadequate. The programme is intended to turn gas currently flared into commercial use. Ekpo called for its more forceful implementation as part of Nigeria’s target to end routine gas flaring by 2030. The announcement concerns monitoring and enforcement for existing awardees; it does not report a new site award or a project entering operation. NUPRC also framed gas use as a way to support power generation, industry and exports.