01-08-03 The Minister of Environment, Alhaji Bala Mande has formally made commitment to a 2004 terminal phase out date of gas flaring in the Niger Delta.
In his first public comment on the protracted issue of constant shift in putting a final stop to the burning of gas into atmosphere by oil companies in the Delta area of the country, the minister condemned the practice which he said has been phased out by modern technology in oil exploration in developed countries of the world.

Stressing that his administration would pursue a conclusive end to gas flaring because of the hazards it poses to the environment, the minister urged oil exploration companies to adopt modern formats in sustainably exploiting Nigeria's natural endowments in the Niger Delta.
The minister was expatiating on his speech where he had earlier itemised his priorities in his first public engagement at the Conference Hall of the Federal Ministry of Environment.