Nigeria has been named among nine countries responsible for more than 83 percent of global gas flaring in 2025, according to a new report by the World Bank. The findings place Nigeria alongside Russia, Iran, Iraq, Venezuela, Mexico, Libya, Algeria, and the United States as the world’s biggest contributors to the environmentally harmful practice. Despite producing only 46 percent of global crude oil output, these nations accounted for more than four-fifths of all gas flared worldwide, raising fresh concerns about energy waste, climate change, and lost economic opportunities.
The latest Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report, released by the World Bank’s Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership (GFMR) in collaboration with the Payne Institute at the Colorado School of Mines, revealed that global gas flaring increased for the third consecutive year. Volumes rose from 157 billion cubic metres in 2024 to 167 billion cubic metres in 2025. Gas flaring occurs when natural gas produced during oil extraction is burned off instead of being captured and used for electricity generation, industrial activities, exports, or household energy needs.
Beyond the environmental impact, the report highlighted the massive economic cost of the practice. The World Bank estimated that the gas wasted through flaring in 2025 was worth approximately $54 billion. It also generated about 429 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, including significant methane releases. Experts warn that methane is one of the most powerful greenhouse gases, making gas flaring a major contributor to global warming and environmental degradation.
For Nigeria, the report arrives at a critical time as the country seeks to position natural gas as the backbone of its energy transition agenda. The Federal Government has repeatedly pledged to eliminate routine gas flaring through initiatives such as the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP). With one of Africa’s largest proven natural gas reserves, Nigeria aims to use its gas resources to boost electricity generation, drive industrial growth, support manufacturing, and increase export earnings. However, the latest figures suggest that significant hurdles remain in turning associated gas into commercially viable products instead of allowing it to be wasted.
While the report paints a worrying picture globally, it also offers examples of progress. Countries such as the United States and Kazakhstan have successfully reduced gas flaring through stronger regulations and strategic investments in gas infrastructure. The World Bank believes similar results are achievable elsewhere if governments strengthen enforcement, improve financing, and expand gas-processing facilities. According to the report, eliminating routine gas flaring worldwide could enhance energy security, create economic value, and reduce harmful emissions, proving that what is currently being burned away could instead power industries, homes, and future economic growth.
source: the sun
