Evaluation of Natural Gas Flaring Practices and Their Environmental Impact in the Niger Delta Region

Natural gas flaring remains one of the most contentious environmental challenges associated with oil and gas exploration in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. This study evaluates current gas flaring practices across selected flow stations in Rivers State and Delta State, examining the volume of gas flared, the composition of flare gases, and their cumulative environmental consequences. The research adopts a descriptive survey methodology, combining field observations, structured questionnaires administered to community stakeholders, and secondary data obtained from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC). Findings from the study are expected to reveal significant disparities between reported and actual flare volumes, owing to outdated metering systems and inadequate regulatory enforcement. The study further explores the socioeconomic dimensions of flaring on host communities, particularly regarding air quality deterioration, acid rain incidence, and reduced agricultural productivity. By situating these findings within Nigeria's Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), the research identifies practical opportunities for converting flared gas into productive energy sources. Recommendations include enhanced metering infrastructure, stricter penalty regimes for defaulting operators, and accelerated implementation of flare-capture projects. This work contributes to the growing body of undergraduate-level literature that frames gas flaring not merely as a technical problem but as a governance and community welfare issue requiring multi-stakeholder engagement. Keywords: gas flaring, Niger Delta, environmental impact, NGFCP, flare commercialisation.