stop gas flaring in nigeria
Today we launched a cyberaction (online petition) against the government of Nigeria urging them to put a stop to the illegal and harmful practice of gas flaring. Please join us by adding your name to cyberaction.
Friends of the Earth International is calling for an immediate end to
the destruction of the environment and the lives of the people living in
the Niger Delta. Please join us in calling on the President of Nigeria
to end gas flaring in all Niger Delta communities.
Gas is often found mixed with crude oil and must be separated. Burning
the gas is the cheapest way to do this yet also the most environmentally
destructive. Regardless, this is what the major oil producers in the
Niger Delta have been doing for decades despite it being illegal in
Nigeria since 1984.
Nigeria is the world’s second largest flarer of gas associated with
crude oil extraction. The country burns 23 billion cubic meters
annually. This practice, which costs $2.5 billion in annual revenue
losses has led to a myriad of social, health and environmental costs,
and is also a major factor in the tension and conflicts raging in the
Niger Delta region.
In 2005 a Federal High court sitting in Benin ordered Shell to stop gas
flaring in Iwhrekan, saying it violates the people’s fundamental right
to life and dignity of human person. The judge ruled that gas flaring is
a "gross violation" of the constitutionally-guaranteed rights to life
and dignity, which include the right to a "clean poison-free,
pollution-free healthy environment".
There can be no more excuses. We must act in large numbers and demand
the government of Nigeria brings about an end to gas flaring once and
for all.
