The Federal Government is ramping up initiatives to address energy shortages in Nigeria’s North-East by driving the adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), positioning it as a viable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional cooking fuels.
Speaking at the launch of the North-East Decade of Gas Clean Cooking (LPG) Grassroots Penetration Programme in Maiduguri, Borno State, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring clean energy accessibility for all regions.
“The Decade of Gas Initiative is a transformative strategy aimed at making Nigeria a gas-powered economy,” Ekpo stated. “This programme underscores our unwavering commitment to inclusivity in the energy transition.”
Ekpo urged beneficiaries of the distributed LPG cylinders to embrace cleaner cooking solutions, emphasizing that the initiative promotes not only convenience but also public health, environmental conservation, and sustainable economic growth.
Commitment to Clean Energy and Public Health
The minister highlighted the government’s steadfast resolve to expand LPG accessibility and affordability nationwide. He commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for supporting the initiative, stressing the importance of collaboration in achieving widespread adoption.
Under the clean cooking initiative championed by President Bola Tinubu, the government plans to transition 250,000 households annually to LPG, reducing reliance on firewood and other traditional fuels.
“This shift is crucial to reducing deforestation, cutting carbon emissions, and preventing health risks linked to toxic fumes from charcoal and firewood,” Ekpo explained. “It aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy for a sustainable energy mix.”
Women’s Empowerment and Socio-Economic Impact
Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman, highlighted the adverse effects of firewood dependency on women, emphasizing that transitioning to LPG will alleviate health hazards, reduce environmental degradation, and create economic opportunities.
She reiterated the government’s ambitious goal of converting one million households to LPG by 2030, fostering cleaner air, job creation, and socio-economic development through public-private partnerships.
Similarly, Ed Ubong, Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas initiative, reaffirmed the industry’s support for the Federal Government’s ‘Gas to Prosperity’ vision, emphasizing that LPG adoption will play a critical role in Nigeria’s energy transformation.
As the government accelerates efforts toward a gas-powered economy, stakeholders believe that sustained investment in LPG infrastructure and consumer education will be key to realizing Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions.
