NIGERIA: Gas flares still a burning issue in the Niger Delta

Irin News

8 March 2012

NIGERIA: Gas flares still a burning issue in the Niger Delta

Gas flaring in the Niger Delta has caused tremendous damage the environment and human health

DAKAR/PORT HARCOURT, 8 March 2012 (IRIN) - Despite longstanding laws against gas flaring - the burning of natural gas during oil extraction - in Nigeria, and shifting deadlines to end the practice, the activity continues, with serious health consequences for people living nearby.

In the Niger Delta, where most of the flaring takes places, residents living near gas flares complain of respiratory problems, skin rashes and eye irritations, as well as damage to agriculture due to acid rain.