Existing associated gas flare governance research does not explicitly focus on its end-to-end systematisation as goals, instruments and processes. Besides, the existing research hardly connects barriers or traces the root origins of challenges to devise targeted policy solutions. This thesis provides an end-to-end systematisation of associated gas flare governance at the global and Nigerian levels to fill the knowledge gap. It raised significant concerns about barriers and traced root origins of barriers but offered targeted policy solutions.
The materials used comprised documents and expert interviews from five global associated gas flare governance initiatives, eight Nigerian governmental organisations and private sector partners including International Non-government Organisations with associated gas flare governance interest and responsibilities. The analyses were exploratory, descriptive, gauging and evaluative. Concept-driven, thematic, and narrative also supported the analysis to generate three significant findings.
First, a lack of intelligent coordination, steady communication and a mutual sense of direction lead to incoherent goals in associated gas flare governance. The policy solutions start with better orchestration and advocacy and could progress to a shared purpose of securing goal coherence.
Second, ineffective knowledge, market and normative instruments mean uncoordinated and ineffective instruments in associated gas flare governance. The policy solutions include better knowledge management, effective use of climate risk, accurate data and tackling high counterparty risk, supported by a collaborative standards development process.
Third, not knowing whom to collaborate with, a lack of enabling environment and capability means inefficient processes in associated gas flare governance. The suggested policy solutions include constant monitoring and evaluation of activities, enhancing regulatory clarity through national strategic implementation, and building capabilities through better coordinated global efforts.
The findings are relevant for actors looking to influence and shape associated flare gas governance. Overall, the barriers and root origins to a systematised associated gas flare governance may be relatively easier to tackle than other environmental governance barriers because the system is at a formative stage. The way forward is coordinated action at both levels with coherent goals linked to national priorities in associated gas flare governance. An implementation focus is needed to increase the implementation projects at 16,000 global flare sites.
