Cooking gas programme to reach 10m homes — FG

The Federal Government has announced that its National Grassroots LPG (cooking gas) Penetration Programme will extend to over 10 million Nigerian homes by 2060, marking a major expansion of the country's clean cooking initiative. The program, led by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) and the Decade of Gas Initiative, was recently launched in Akwa Ibom State, becoming the second state in a planned nationwide rollout following Bayelsa State. This marks a significant step toward achieving the government’s long-term vision of leveraging Nigeria’s gas resources for broader social and economic benefits. The program aims to distribute cooking gas to one million households annually, reaching five million homes by 2030 and surpassing 10 million by 2060. At the launch in Akwa Ibom, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized the importance of collaboration among governments, regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, financial institutions, traditional leaders, communities, and the media to ensure the program’s success. He linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s vision of using Nigeria’s gas reserves to improve health, empower women, create jobs, and boost local economies. The Decade of Gas Initiative’s Coordinating Director, Ed Ubong, stated that 27,000 filled LPG cylinders would be made available to women in Akwa Ibom. The initiative plans to expand this effort across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. A new approach, known as the Depot, Hub, Node cylinder exchange model, is being introduced to make the distribution more efficient. Refill points will be located within one to two kilometers of communities, ensuring accessibility and convenience for users. The program includes provisions for up to six free refills per household, supported by a digital tracking system that monitors cylinder usage, refills, and overall adoption rates. This technology-driven strategy is designed to enhance transparency and sustainability. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s Executive Director, Francis Ogaree, praised the initiative, noting that the cylinder recirculation model, combined with the six-refill policy and barcode-enabled monitoring, is crucial for the program’s long-term viability. He added that the annual target of one million households aligns with Nigeria’s goal of boosting domestic LPG consumption to five million metric tonnes annually by 2030. Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom welcomed the federal government’s efforts, calling the program more than just a distribution initiative. He described it as a transformative opportunity that improves living conditions, protects the environment, and creates economic prospects for 27,000 households. Eno highlighted the potential for Akwa Ibom to become a hub for gas-related investments, including LPG bottling plants, cylinder manufacturing, and logistics infrastructure. He expressed confidence that the state could lead in downstream utilization of gas resources. In addition to the main program, the minister launched the Rural Women Empowerment Initiative for Entrepreneurship Development. Under this initiative, 3,000 women will each receive N100,000 in direct support, totaling N300 million. The funding is intended to bolster small businesses, agricultural activities, household income, and rural economic growth. This component underscores the government’s commitment to addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusive development. With the successful implementation in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, the Decade of Gas Initiative confirmed that it will proceed with the state-by-state rollout of the program. The next participating state is yet to be announced, but the initiative remains on track to meet its ambitious targets. As the program continues, it is anticipated that the widespread availability of clean cooking gas will contribute significantly to public health improvements and environmental conservation while fostering economic resilience across the nation.