Gas Flaring in Nigeria: A Multi-level Governance and Policy Coherence Analysis

Abstract The unnecessary flaring of natural gas impacts public and environmental health, contributes to climate change wastes fuel resources. Though reducing is an emergent global governance priority, progress has been slow. We assess policy in the critical case Nigeria through multi-level (MLG) structure. Our analysis assesses coherence (leading reaching shared goals) divergence (creating tension undermining progress) amongst sectors institutional structures across supranational, federal, state local government scales. A combined dataset documents, stakeholder interviews expert surveys analysed using Qualitative Document Analysis (QDA) content analysis. identify principal actors involved, examine extent awareness multiple sectors/policy domains, towards Nigeria’s national intended contribution on mitigation. find that around flaring, including efforts mitigation, slowed by political partisanship, poor governance, lack regulatory compliance, conflict between protection economic development priorities. urgently requires inclusive involvement voices scales local/regional government, strengthening federal institutions, a revaluation aspirations revenue diversification, leadership can temper power International Oil Companies (IOCs) exploit complexity MLG These actions would help improving justice outcomes for flaring-affected communities.