FG TO ADD 36,000MT TO THE NIGERIAN GAS MARKET VIA GRASSROOTS PENETRATION.

In a significant stride towards sustainable energy, Nigeria has launched the LPG Grassroots Penetration Programme under the ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative. This ambitious project aims to distribute approximately 250,000 gas cylinders to women in rural communities across the nation. The programme was inaugurated in the Apo Resettlement area of Abuja by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.

During the launch, Ekpo emphasized the administration’s commitment to increasing domestic gas usage. He personally supervised the distribution of 1,000 filled 3kg cylinders to rural women from the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory. Ekpo highlighted the government's push for adopting gas as the primary cooking fuel, citing significant health benefits for women and girls who are most affected by traditional cooking methods.

“We’re not only introducing a programme today; we’re on a mission to change millions of Nigerians’ lives across our six geographical zones. By 2030, we aim to convert 250,000 houses annually to clean cooking gas, a lofty but attainable target,” stated Ekpo. He underscored the program as a testament to the government's dedication to reducing reliance on solid fuels such as firewood, kerosene, and charcoal, which have long been primary energy sources for many households.

Ed Ubong, the Coordinating Director of the ‘Decade of Gas’ programme, echoed Ekpo's sentiments. He noted that the initiative, funded by the private sector, aims to eliminate the use of wood and kerosene in homes. Ubong stated, “As part of the LPG grassroots programme, we are committed to distributing over a million cooking cylinders, primarily to women in rural areas. Nigeria has significant gas resources, and by partnering with the private sector under the supervision of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), we will deploy over a million cylinders, at about 250,000 per year, to all parts of Nigeria.”

Ubong also highlighted that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s theme, “Gas to Prosperity, a Renewed Hope,” aiming to leverage Nigeria's substantial gas resources to foster prosperity and renew hope in rural communities. The initiative not only promises to improve public health by reducing indoor air pollution but also aims to empower women economically by providing them with safer and more efficient energy solutions.

This groundbreaking effort marks a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards sustainable development and environmental conservation, showcasing a collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to drive positive change across the country.

SOURCE: Vanguard News.

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Oluwabukola Jimoh

Oluwabukola Jimoh is a dynamic academic writer and captivating energy blogger. She is able to delve into intricate subjects with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, crafting thought-provoking essays that engage and enlighten her readers.