Federal Government Expands LPG Access In North-East Through Decade Of Gas Initiative

Federal Government Expands LPG Access In North-East Through Decade Of Gas Initiative

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling energy challenges in the North-East region by ensuring that clean energy, particularly Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), becomes more accessible and affordable. This was emphasized by Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, during the launch of the North-East Decade of Gas Clean Cooking (LPG) Grassroots Penetration Programme in Maiduguri, Borno State.

 

Bringing Clean Energy to the Grassroots

Speaking at the event, Ekpo highlighted the Decade of Gas Initiative as a transformative policy aimed at transitioning Nigeria into a gas-powered economy, with an emphasis on ensuring no region is left behind.

 

"As we distribute these LPG cylinders today, I urge beneficiaries to seize this opportunity for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle," he said.

 

Ekpo also acknowledged the significant energy challenges faced by the North-East, stressing that LPG adoption is a key solution to reducing environmental degradation and improving public health.

 

The Government’s Clean Cooking Commitment

The initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s clean cooking agenda, which aims to convert 250,000 homes annually to LPG usage. This effort seeks to address maternal and youth deaths caused by exposure to carbon monoxide and other harmful pollutants emitted from traditional cooking fuels such as firewood and charcoal.

 

"The government's commitment to making LPG available and affordable for all Nigerians is unwavering. Through collaborative efforts, we can achieve our vision of a gas-powered Nigeria," Ekpo stated.

 

He further commended Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State for his strong support in driving LPG penetration in the region.

 

Why the North-East Needs LPG

The transition to LPG is not just about convenience—it is a critical step toward:

 

✅ Cleaner Air – Reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality.

✅ Deforestation Reduction – Decreasing reliance on firewood and charcoal.

✅ Health Improvement – Minimizing exposure to toxic smoke that leads to respiratory illnesses.

✅ Carbon Emission Reduction – Supporting Nigeria’s sustainable energy goals.

 

Women at the Forefront of the Transition

At the launch, Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman, highlighted the struggles women face when relying on firewood for cooking, stressing the need for cleaner alternatives.

 

She reaffirmed the government’s goal to transition one million households to LPG by 2030, emphasizing that this shift would:

 

l Reduce environmental pollution

l Create job opportunities

l Boost socio-economic development

 

Industry Support and Next Steps - A

Ed Ubong, Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Initiative, reiterated industry support for the Gas to Prosperity theme of the Federal Government. He noted that continued investment in LPG infrastructure and distribution would further drive clean energy adoption across Nigeria.

 

As the Decade of Gas Initiative gains momentum, it is clear that Nigeria is taking bold steps to expand LPG access, promote clean cooking, and create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

 

Source: The Guardian

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