Regulatory Effectiveness, Air Quality, and Health Risks Around Gas-Fired Power Plants in the Niger Delta

Effective environmental regulation is critical for minimizing the air quality impacts of energy infrastructure, particularly in regions with dense industrial activity. In Nigeria’s Niger Delta, gas-fired power plants form the backbone of electricity generation, yet concerns persist regarding their environmental compliance and regulatory oversight. This study evaluates the effectiveness of air quality regulation and environmental compliance mechanisms governing gas-fired power plants in selected Niger Delta states. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates ambient air quality measurements, regulatory document review, institutional analysis, and stakeholder interviews to assess compliance with national air quality standards and the enforcement capacity of regulatory agencies. Findings reveal persistent exceedances of regulatory limits for particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in host communities, alongside systemic gaps in monitoring, enforcement, and inter-agency coordination. While regulatory frameworks exist on paper, weak implementation, limited technical capacity, and poor data transparency undermine their effectiveness. The study provides policy-relevant insights and proposes actionable reforms to strengthen air quality governance and protect public health in Nigeria’s energy-producing regions.