FG Expands Cooking Gas Penetration Programme Nationwide, Launches South-East LPG Outreach Targeting One Million Homes Annually

Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Initiative received another major boost as the Federal Government announced the expansion of its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) penetration programme across all six geo-political zones. The latest phase kicked off in the South-East, with a new cooking gas outreach that aims to reach one million Nigerian homes every year.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, made the announcement in Owerri, Imo State, during the official Flag-Off of the LPG Penetration Programme and Distribution of LPG Cylinders in partnership with the Imo State Government.

A Major Step in Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Initiative

Speaking at the event, the Minister described the launch as an important milestone in implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Decade of Gas vision—an effort to transition millions of households from harmful traditional cooking fuels to clean, modern alternatives.

He emphasized that clean cooking is far more than an energy choice—it is a life-changing intervention.

Why Transitioning to LPG Matters

For decades, millions of Nigerian families have relied on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene, exposing themselves to dangerous smoke and contributing to environmental degradation. Ekpo highlighted several benefits of switching to LPG:

• Reduced health risks from smoke-related respiratory diseases

• Less burden on women and children, who spend hours gathering firewood

• Protection of forests and biodiversity

• Lower household energy costs due to efficiency

• Enhanced safety through modern, regulated cooking fuel

“Clean cooking improves health, protects our environment, and enables families to live with dignity,” the Minister added.

Supporting Global and National Climate Goals

The initiative aligns with the United Nations Clean Cooking Agenda and contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

• SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

• SDG 5 – Gender Equality

• SDG 13 – Climate Action

Over 17 million Nigerian households still depend on biomass for cooking—one of the largest drivers of deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning these homes to LPG, Ekpo said, will significantly cut carbon emissions and protect Nigeria’s natural ecosystems.

A Nationwide Rollout Toward 2030

The Minister noted that the LPG penetration campaign has already been launched in:

• North-Central

• South-South

• South-West

• North-East

• North-West

• And now, the South-East

Under the Decade of Gas Initiative, the Federal Government aims to transition 5 million households to clean cooking gas by 2030.

Partnerships Driving Success

Ekpo praised the Imo State Government for embracing the programme and providing strong support for its rollout. He also commended the Coordinator of the Decade of Gas Programme and private sector partners for their technical expertise, logistics support, and nationwide commitment.

To the women and youths receiving cylinders, the Minister emphasized that these tools represent more than cooking—they represent empowerment:

“Clean cooking creates opportunities across the value chain, from cylinder distribution and maintenance to retail supply and safety training.”

By expanding LPG adoption, he said, the government is creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, and strengthening regional economies.

South-East Positioned for Growth in the Gas Value Chain

Ekpo noted that the South-East—well known for its entrepreneurship and innovation—stands to benefit significantly from new opportunities emerging across the LPG value chain.

He urged the region to embrace clean cooking for the sake of health, safety, environmental protection, and national development.

Government Commitment to Safety and Accessibility

The Minister also reaffirmed that the Federal Government, through NMDPRA, will:

• Intensify LPG safety education

• Expand last-mile LPG distribution networks

• Ensure access for households in rural and urban areas

• Guarantee safe adoption through regulatory oversight

Towards a Cleaner, Healthier, and Prosperous Nigeria

Ekpo concluded with a powerful vision:

“Together, we are building a Nigeria where no child grows up inhaling harmful smoke, where women cook with dignity and safety, where forests are preserved, and where gas truly becomes a catalyst for national prosperity.”